jazzyme Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 First let me say that I like the idea of 17-22 year-old dancers still being considered 'young'. I live in the midwestern US and there are very few studios that have classes for anyone out of high school. I was lucky in finding one that lets me take classes at my level even though many of the girls are younger than I am. I started dance rather late (in high school), had to quit for two years, and just started it up again recently. I'm 19. I just found out that I'll get a chance to take pointe over the summer! I'm so excited! My teacher says that since it's my first time that I can get my shoes here in the next month or so and she'll work with me a little outside of class and show me some things I can practice so I'll be in better shape over the summer. This is something I've always wanted to do! I'm just wondering if there's anything that people usually overlook when starting pointe. I know the idea of it can often create delusions of grandeur. What kind of padding, if any, is recommended for beginners? What are the areas of the foot that take the most pressure? Is there anything people really wish they'd known before getting en pointe? Thanks for any help! I'm so excited! Link to comment
Mel Johnson Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 In starting pointe, the first thing to remember is that you're trying to move around with a couple of rather stiff shoes on your feet. It's an eerie feeling at first, then you get used to it. Obviously the places that take the most punishment are the tips of the carrying toes. For padding, start with plain lamb's wool that you can buy at any drugstore. If you need anything more sophisticated than that, you can find them in many dance supply stores and catalogues. Many people like "Ouch Pouches", which are made from the same material that are in US Army Paratroopers' jump boots as an insole. And welcome to the Young Dancers' forums here at Ballet Talk for Dancers. Link to comment
Fred Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 Sorry for budging into the young ones forum but the following book is handy to have : The Pointe Book: Shoes, Training & Technique by David Howard (Foreword), Sarah Schlesinger, Janice Barringer It contains allot of useful information and can be found at www.amazon.com Freddie Link to comment
Guest Daniella64 Posted January 31, 2005 Report Share Posted January 31, 2005 Jazzyme, Hey there! My name is Danielle and I also started dancing in high school (age 15). I also had to stop for a few years and have been back into it (im 22). I take pointe and dance for a ballet company. you can e-mail me if you would like to talk. Girlstar64@aol.com Link to comment
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