Recommendations for Newbies
Pointe shoes are something that every ballet dancer dreams of. These shoes plus tutu are the components of a ballet dancer’s outfit we see everywhere. Yet, pointe shoes are not recommended for the total newbies. You can find the substitute for your first lessons, following advice on the LiveTheDance blog. Once you master enough dancing skills, only then you can try your first pointe shoes.
Can I Wear Pointes on My First Lesson?
Whether you are a child or an adult, you can’t wear pointe shoes for your lessons during the year or even longer. Many prestigious ballet schools allow their students to wear pointe shoes only after 4 years of constant training. It happens mainly because your bones are too fragile to bear the weight of your body without extra support from specific shoes for ballet training. They look exactly like pointe shoes but have extra security for toes and heels. Only when you learn the basics and are ready to move to the next level, the teacher will offer you to try dancing in pointe shoes.
Top Tips for Ballet Dancers
The best pointe shoes help to distribute your weight around your feet evenly. To dance in these shoes, you have to learn the basics. You can’t dance in pointe shoes without a professional teacher. Only when you are supervised by a professional, you can proceed with training in pointe shoes. Here is a simple guide with ideas for dancers:
- Find a good teacher. You can start with the very beginning. You have to do it before buying your shoes;
- Train a lot before you wear pointe shoes. The average time is 3 years of regular training at least 2 times per week. The best option is 3 times per week in a studio. It will help your muscles to build up the way you need them;
- Work on strengthening your toes and ankles. Don’t make a break in your ballet classes. Focus on the balance in your ankles. You can practice standing on your toes at home;
- Be ready for the discomfort and numbness. Pointes may look beautiful but are not as comfortable as your dancing shoes. You have used to one type of shoes, and now you need to switch them to pointe shoes. It does not take much time if you’ve been practicing ballet for several years;
- Buy the right shoes. You have to take measures and make sure that the pointe shoes you order are the perfect match for you. Moreover, they must provide perfect fixation for your feet;
- Ask your instructor for recommendations. Your instructor is familiar with your skills and specifics. You can ask for help picking the right ballet shoes based on your current achievements.
Start Practicing in Pointes
The best way to achieve positive results is to begin practicing your ballet moves in pointe shoes. Follow the recommendations you see above, and keep up with the hard work. Once you master your skills, you will enjoy your ballet shoes and the freedom they provide you in your moves.
