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How do you stop Pointe Shoes from Twisting on your Feet?
If the shank is too firm and has no discernable curve when you are en pointe then it is too stiff and needs to be worked before you wear it, as otherwise it will pull you off pointe or twist away from the sole of the foot. I break in all my girls shoes using the following technique and they love wearing the shoes from day 1.
So, how do you break in a shoe? I have created a little video clip of the process which you can view on youtube. This is how you go about breaking the shoes in correctly...
- Turn the satin of the heel of the shoe inside out so that you can see the sole.
- Place your foot in the shoe (with any padding/ouch pouches that you will wear when dancing).
- Place the foot en pointe (don't take your whole weight on it, just press down a little.
- Find the point of your foot where the arch ends and the heel begins.
- Turn you finger over and find where this is on your shoe.
- Remove your foot from the shoe, and gently, using the floor, shape the back of the shoe down to this point only.
- The rest of the shank should stay straight and the shoe should curve perfectly up under your heel.
This will help support you in the shoe to stop sinking down, and will also make the shoe last longer.
Pointe Resources
If you are looking to delve deeper into this topic, check out the following programs:
- The Perfect Pointe Book: This course was originally designed to help students and dance teachers safely prepare for pointe work. The four stages of tests and exercises within the book are ideal for pre-pointe preparation classes, students close to achieving pointe shoes and students already en pointe looking for extra strength and technique training.
- Pointe Range: This online program comprises of 41 clear and concise videos, totalling just under 2 hours play time, this course begins with a series of assessments to establish exactly what structures are restricting your pointe range. It then explores a diverse array of massage techniques, joint mobility exercises and fascial mobilisers to safely improve your pointe range. This is followed by an in depth look at retraining all of the muscles that stabilise the foot and ankle to allow you to actually use your new found pointe range in class.
- Pointe Intensive: This online virtual workshop is designed for both Dance Teachers & Health Professionals working with dancers. This three day Intensive will give you the most up-to-date advice in the industry to help you understand your students’ needs, analyze their differences, and them you the tools to help your students become the best dancer they can be.
