Expert: Connie - 12/21/2006

Question
i am 13 years old and i used to do ballet but i quit a few years ago, and i am starting it up again next year. i have strong legs, back and feet. anyway, a few months ago, i found a pair of my mums old pointe shoes and i have started using them, they fit perfectly and i can stand easily and walk a few meters in them, but i am worried that they are damaging my feet or that ill hurt myself as i have not had proper pointe training. what do you think about this? should i discontinue wearing them? also, i do turnout exercises and nearly an hour of streches every night, and i know all the positions of the arms and feet, but can you give me any more things to practise, as i want to be ready for my new classes next year. thank you so much, libi

Answer
Well, obviously the best way to learn ballet is to take a ballet class, which you'll soon be doing.  I would suggest not working specifically on ballet related things, just because it's easy to develop bad habits that are hard to fix in class (although it's great that you know the positions!).  I switched from gymnastics to ballet, so I would reccomend just being in shape and making sure you're strong.  Work on abdominal strength, and even though you have strong feet, releves are always great, and pointing and flexing your feet is a good, simple exercise.  
Also, I know it's a ton of fun to try on pointe shoes, but it's probably best to wait until you start taking class to use the shoes because injury is always a possibility.  It sounds like you'll do great in ballet.  Good Luck!