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Ballet/Pointe work

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Question
I started doing ballet in 2004 and i continued until May 2006. I am now starting ballet again after one year off.I was wondering if I am still strong enough to do Pointe or if I would hurt myself. Can you tell me what essentials are needed to do Pointe and would i still be stong after a year off?

Answer
Hi Rachel. I can't answer that because I don't know how strong you were before and how accurate your technique was. All the basic technical components of ballet are essential to doing pointe work - accurate posture and the strength to hold it going from the bottom of your demi-plie to your releve height; holding your maximum turnout in all positions and during all movements, and many more finer details.

Muscle memory will help you get back into your technique, but it is hard to say where your strength might be in comparison to where it was when you last danced. You'll just have to see what your teacher thinks about it.

All the best, Dianne

Ballet

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Dianne M. Buxton

Expertise

I can answer questions about ballet positions, ballet movements and ballet technique, pointe shoes and pre pointe exercise, mens training, ballet diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, produced and directed dance companies. For any answers related to health questions I will offer my experience, and give references to information, but I also automatically include "see a professional".

Experience

dancer, ballet and modern, choreographer, dance teacher, artistic director, ballet mistress, producer

Organizations
I.S.T.D. Actra, Actors Equity

Publications
http://ezinearticles.com http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com http://streetarticles.com http://balletconnections.com

Education/Credentials
Graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada where I studied Cecchetti, Bournonville, Vaganova and Graham technique. Taught at the National Ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard University.

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