Beginning Pointe Students
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The first thing you must do is buy your pointe shoes. It is best if your dance teacher fits you because these are new shoes to you and the sizes vary. In other words, pointe shoe sizes aren't the same as your street shoe size. If your dance teacher doesn't suggest a shoe to start out with you should go for the capezio pavlova's. Although if your arch is very strong i suggest a harder shoe such as Bloch.
Once you get your shoes you must learn how to sew the elastic and ribbons on properly. take the elastic and sew it an inch away from the heel of your shoe (NOTE: Do not sew the elastic straight across, sew it so it hugs the ankle so your feet do ot slip.) once you get the elastic on, the ribbon should be sewn an inch from the elastic. Always make sure your elastic is tight but not to tight, in other words make sure it's tight enough to hold your foot in.
After your shoes are all ready for you just slip them on and tie the ribbon (The correct way to tie your ribbon is cross the right ribbon or and then the left one over make an X in the front of your ankle. Then wrap the remaining ribbon around your ankle) Caution: Do not make the ribbon too tight. Once its wrapped around your ankle tie it in a bow. Ask your instructor if you are doing it correctly or if you need assistance.
Once all this is done you are ready to begin your pointe lesson. The key thing don't be nervous. Everyone feels that way but if you are in a class with other beginning pointe students like yourself you should be fine. Your instructor should take it slow for the first couple of weeks so you are able to break in and get use to the shoes. If your instructor is going too fast for you just practice by yourself to make yourself stronger. Practice at home when you have time or go in for extra classes, whatever works for you.
When you first begin pointe classes your feet will be a little tender because your skin hasn't built up to the harsh conditions they are put under in pointe shoes. So, I would suggest either wearing toe pads or taping your feet with medical tape. Once you have been on pointe for a while your feet will toughen up and you won't need your medical tape anymore, so just give it some time. Another important factor in pain free feet are your toenails. Make sure you cut your toenails straight arcoss, and that you cut them ofter. If your toenails get to long or the aren't cut right it could lead to a bruised toenail or a loss of one.
Make sure when you do plenty of releves and plies when you start pointe. These key items will make your ankles stronger. Also, when you balance try your hardest not to wobble. In other words try to stay on your pointe shoes without moving your feet around.
If you have any questions at all please feel free to e-mail me or ask your dance instructor. They should be more than happy to offer you the best advice.