Using strength for pointe

[Danzatriz]

My teacher got really mad the other day because she told me I wasn't using my strenght to get up to pointe (ok, so she does get really mad about stuff often, but it still upset me because I know pointe without using ones strenght is dangerous). I guess mu question is, since she think the strengh is there, but im just not using it, how can I change this? If it helps she said my thigh muscules (sp? ) went flabby and in

[Mel Johnson]

If there was slackness in your thigh muscles, there's a good chance that your hips were starting to tip forward, throwing you out of alignment and putting stress on your back.

[Danzatriz]

You may be right, Mr J. and its good to know what my lackness may be causing. What I was wondering, however was if there was maybe a way to change this problem im having of not using my muscels, because as I see it, having the strengh and not using it is pretty much the same as not having it in the first place, but im already taking one or two daily tech. classes right now so amount of calsses is probably not the problem, I guess the question is, how do I tighten up all the flabby parts that should be keeping me up there?

[Mel Johnson]

Without seeing you, this is a tough call, but I would almost bet money that you should be working your lower abdominals by pulling them in and up. Then also think of making the spine as long as possible. That way, your alignment and placement will be supported from both the back and the front.

[Danzatriz]

Again -i know, surprise- you are probably right, since I most often focus on my feet/legs when told to push harder or to tighten up, so ill work on those abs (up and in, up and in...)! Im hoping that a more pulled up placement will help me achieve also better rotation, since there is where most of the infamous flabbiness appears to be taking its toll

By the way, quick reply! Thanks.