Ballet Pointe Shoes - Catching up in Ballet

by Lina
(Macedonia)

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Catching up in Ballet

Hello!
I recently found out about your blog and you seem like the perfect person to help me with something I have been trying to achieve, but cannot since I don't know how.
I used to go to dance class where the prima ballerina of Macedonia taught after she retired, and I progressed quickly but I give up after 3 years. Now, 5 years after giving up I started taking lessons again only in a different studio. I know that I have forgotten everything. I now take lessons with some that have been dancing for many years and are better then me. I want to progress faster and catch up to them. I don't mind hours of practice and pain in the muscles when I go to bed-I don't mind hard work. I'm going en pointe at the end of this year and I want to be as ready as I can be. I already do extra hours of stretching at home, but I know I need your help. If you could give me some tips and advice, that would mean so much to me.
Thank you for your time,
Lina :)


============================================

Reply by Odette
To: - Ballet Pointe Shoes - Catching up in Ballet

Remember, just like I did before I went en pointe, ballet students MUST take responsibility for their own strengthening prior to beginning pointe work.
Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.
Don't leave it to your teacher!
You can watch this pre-pointe video
yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).

Hello Lina,
Thanks so much for your message, it's great to hear from you. I'm pleased you found my website and I'll be here to guide you forward in ballet.

I wouldn't be so hard on yourself, although it may feel like you've forgotten what you learnt before in ballet it will soon become more familiar to your body and you'll regain the strength you had. It does take some catching up though after a break from ballet, because it relies on your muscle memory and constant practice to gain the strength & control.

To improve in ballet takes a lot of dedication and preparation not just in your body, but your mind too. If you look at my eBook,
"7 Virtues of a Professional Ballet Dancer" you will see
"Virtue 4: Mentality" which is a key part your success as a dancer. You know that ballet can be physically demanding on your body, so sometimes it is mind over matter and only the strength of your determination to get you through.

Mainly, make sure you're getting every second out of your classes so you give your full attention and set a goal to focus on from your last class. You can keep a ballet diary and write down your corrections, notes and reflections. This way, when your body is exhausted you still have your mind to rely on.

You can practice Pilates exercises to improve your core strength and use
Physical Therapy Equipment to strengthen your body further, I especially recommend the resistance bands to work on your feet ready for pointe work.

Also, look at the video above because Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works. I would recommend you listening to the advice given here, as Lisa Howell gives some superb tips for pre pointe.

I hope I've given you enough tips for now, but please do keep in touch!

Best wishes,
Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page