Expert: Connie - 11/18/2007

Question
Hello! I wanted to know  how do we know when our pointe shoes are too old? My teacher gave me used pointe shoes because there is no place in my state where I can buy pointe shoes.It really hurts so I thought the pointe shoes are maybe too old.
And I also wanted to ask for some exercises that will help to get better my arch because is not that high or maybe some exercises that will help to make my foot and my ankles stronger if you can find any pictures for the exercises it would be great ( You don't have to do that if you can't )
Looking forward to your answer
Thank you
     Viktorija

Answer
You know when shoes are dead when a) they hurt a lot b)they don't help you stay up on pointe or c) when they're just really soft and/or bendy.  However, if your shoes hurt from when you first get them you may just need different shoes.
As for exercises for your feet and ankles try releves.  You can do eight on each foot and then sixteen on both feet together.   You can also do some theraband exercises.  Check out this site http://www.dance.net/topic/3918173/1/Stretching/Using-A-Theraband-FAQ-and-Exerci...
for some ideas.
Hope this helps!