Soft Blocks

[Tanglenose]

I recently switched studios, and I've been improving a lot. So much in fact that I will most likely be able to do my RAD Intermediate exam in the spring.

 

However, I have been in Intermediate Foundation for three years (before I switched studios) therefore I haven't had much pointe experience. All my old pointe shoes are too small, so I can't deshank any of those for soft blocks. My teacher told me that we weren't allowed to use store-bought soft blocks for the exam. Is that an actual rule or just her preference?

 

Also, I've been watching videos of dancers in soft blocks, and I find them ugly. What's the point of them?

[Mel Johnson]

That's just her preference. RAD requires soft blocks, but the only time my students get them is when they're approaching exam time. They hate them, too.