Ballet Pointe Shoes Query - What do you do in pre-pointe?

Ballet Pointe Shoes Query - What do you do in pre-pointe? : -

Hey!

I was just wondering, what kind of stuff do you do in a pre-pointe class?
E.g: what kind of combinations do you learn?

Thanks:)


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Reply by Odette

to Ballet Pointe Shoes Query - What do you do in pre-pointe?

Hi there!

Thank you for your question!


Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

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).


In your pre pointe class it will be similar to a ballet class but the focus will be more to help strengthen and ready your feet for pointe shoes. You'll do exercises that will help train you to go onto pointe.

You'll do exercises at the barre which will include lots of rises and releves to strengthen the ankles and check the alignment of your feet.

You may do combinations which include the following steps -

Echappe – escape from 1st flat to 2nd on the toes.

Sous-sous - spring up to crossed 5th position releve, spring down to 5th.

Pas de bouree – back side front – stepping on pointe one foot at a time.

Simple soutenue or assemble on pointe – pointe right foot front and plie deeply on left leg, keeping right leg pointed and straight slide it under you so that it pulls you up onto both toes.

You may even get the chance to learn about pointe shoes, how to correctly attach and tie the ribbons or how to look after your feet. Your teacher may give you certain strengthening exercises for the legs and feet which you can practice in between your classes.

Good luck and enjoy!

All the best,

Odette

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






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).

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Pre Pointe Exercises

by Erin Nicole
(Gainesville, FL)

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Pre Pointe Exercises

I just got my first pair of pointe shoes yesterday. Because I have a longer second toe on my right foot, my fitter put me in Russian pointe shoes. The platform is very flat and slightly larger than some other shoes, so she said I will be able to tell if my weaker foot is in the right position or not. I don't think anything could have prepared me for what being en pointe would feel like, but even though it hurt, it was one of the happiest moments of my life!
I do have a question though. I switched studios so that I could do pointe, so I never had a prepointe class. I can only go to two more classes before I go on vacation for two weeks and I don't want to fall more behind. What are some prepointe exercises I can do while I am away that will strengthen me and help me get better on pointe?

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Ballet Pointe Shoes - Pre Pointe Exercises

Reply by Odette


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 Erin,

Thank you for getting in touch with me on ballet pointe shoes, it is a pleasure to hear from you.

It puts a huge smile on my face to hear your joy for ballet pointe shoes. I am so pleased that you found a good pair of shoes and that you get such delight out of your pointes. Always hold onto this happiness and excitement, it is what makes a dancer so special from the rest.

I understand you don't want to fall more behind with your ballet pointe shoes. You can do some great exercises with a Latex resistance exercise band (also known as a thera band) which will keep your feet strong and ready for pointe work. These bands are excellent because they can be used by all dancers of all ages and levels. They are specifically beneficial for young dancers, like you, trying to strengthen their feet for pointe work. Take a look at my Physical Therapy Equipment page for more information.

For extra guidance to get you prepared for pointe, the video above is very useful. In this video, 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.

Best Wishes,

Odette

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

Ballet Exercises for Pointe Beginners?

Ballet Exercises for Pointe Beginners?

I have recently started pointe work and I need help on some exercises, my teacher has suggested some but i cant seem to do them help.

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Reply by Odette

To:- Ballet Exercises for Pointe Beginners?


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,

Thank you for contacting me it is great to hear from you.

In the video above, Australian dancer, Lisa Howell gives some very valuable information on ballet pointe shoes. Especially because you've just started pointe work, you will find her advice very helpful.

My tips to strengthen your pointe work is to regularly practice rising up onto pointe with the help of barre, so you really begin to get used to the stability and alignment of being on pointe.

Make sure you are working all of your leg muscles to get onto pointe, as it takes the use of the whole leg not just the feet.

Also focus on your demi-pointe work and try to be on the highest demi-pointe you can be. The stonger your demi-pointe is, the easier it will be on pointe.

I advise you to have a chat with your teacher and ask her to help you with the exercises she suggested. I am sure she will be happy to explain them in more detail so don't panick, but show your interest to progress in your ballet pointe shoes.

Best Wishes,

Odette

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

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Perfect Pointe Book

by Thankam Kurup
(Perth Australia)

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Perfect Pointe Book

Dear Odette,

I just wanted to let you know that I have got my FIRST pair of ballet POINTE SHOES!!! I have to wear gel toes for my big toes. I saw the Perfect Pointe Book but my parents think that it cost too much money. :(
What should I do??? Because I really want the Book to help me and my ballet class mates.

Thankam

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Reply by Odette

To:- Ballet Pointe Shoes - Perfect Pointe Book


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).

Dear Thankam,

Thank you for contacting me, it is a pleasure to hear from you.

How fantastic you have your first pair of pointe shoes! This is a very exciting stage and it is important you listen very carefully in all your lessons, as pointe shoes can take a little while to get used to. It will take your extra focus to progress through pointe work.

The Perfect Pointe Book gives some superb tips for beginners starting pointe work. I understand your parents think it costs too much, but if you feel it would benefit you then perhaps explain this to them. How about they get it for your birthday or christmas as a present?

It may really help you and your classmates, so you could even ask your friends to all chip in an buy it together. Then you could all use it and help each through the book.

Best Wishes,

Odette

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