The power of pointe

Pointe work can be pain-free! If you're a professional dancer wearing pointe shoes all day, or even an absolute beginner, it is possible to work without the hindrance of pointe shoe pain. It is essential to have your shoes fitted correctly by an experienced pointe shoe fitter, especially if your feet are still growing. They should be firm around the front part of the feet but not be squashing your toes together too much. Everyone's feet are different, and you may find you swap between makes and styles of shoe as your needs change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNlYVLkgF1o Before you begin point work, you must achieve the right level of strength and mobility in your feet to avoid injury and developing incorrect technique. Be prepared by ensuring you have the required range and strength before you attempt pointe work. Ask your teacher for guidance to improve your strength 'en pointe' gradually and correctly. Learn how to articulate the foot properly in everything you do in ballet class - it's not just about being up on pointe or down on flat. While pointe requires the feet to work hard you must also look after them and your shoes too. If you don’t take care of your feet or care for your shoes properly, you risk blisters, ingrown toenails and fungal infections. Toe pads should be dried out properly and washed frequently as dancers sweat a lot through their feet. If you leave padding in your shoes the sweat may soften the glue, shortening the life of your shoes. Always make sure you dry out your shoes thoroughly between each use. You may find it necessary to pre-weaken your pointe shoes or break them in before use, in the areas you want them to soften: this will also help stop them breaking in the middle of the shank as you use them.