Strengthening and lengthening

Pre-pointe classes didn't exist in my day.  Our school didn't use soft blocks either- we just used normal pointe shoes to save cash.  Whilst I think we shouldn't namby pamby kids, we do have a duty to protect their bodies and adhere to basic health and safety.

These days the classes are really acting as the preparation and stepping stone to getting your 'big girl' shoes.  With good reason.  Every child develops at different stages of their lives and every child's feet are different.  You won't suddenly 'be ready' for pointe shoes just because you hit 12 years old and you are in grade 4.  It doesn't work that way any more, now we know more and the information is so widely available.  There are so many factors including foot and ankle strength, core muscle control and ability to work easily on demi pointe in the first place.

When I was a child, there wasn't the capacity to think about children in the same class going en pointe at different stages.  Plus I just think my teacher didn't want to have to get so in depth about it all.  You either wanted to do it, or you didn't and you were old enough to know if you can handle it.  She was certainly not one for molly coddling and I loved her for it to be honest!  It was just a different time.

I went en pointe at 13 years old because I'd hit grade 4 ballet class and theywere 'the rules'.  I was relatively lucky in that my feet were quite strong, had a moderate arch but not high.  They adapted very well and quite quickly, I found it quite easy to get over my box and turn demi movements into full pointe.  However, I can't say the same for some of the girls in my class.  It still pains me to see bent knees and 'backward' soggy ankles.  Or even sickling.  It amazes me how these girls even manage to get up and stay there!!  It's not only painful for the dancer but it is really painful to watch and doesn't look attractive either.

The thing is, the teacher or ballet school won't see the pain or damage they have caused the child because by the time it happens they might be in their 30's and 40's and perhaps not dancing any longer.  All the children think is, 'I really want to go en pointe' and believe me, I understand.  When I was told I could go out and buy my first pair, I wanted to squeal!  It must be really heart-breaking if your friend has stronger feet/posture and can go en pointe before you, but they will be grateful in the long run!

I am now attending a pre-pointe class at my studios because, although I have danced en pointe many moons ago, my feet have had lost a lot of strength over the years.  Not just my feet, but my ankles seem to buckle at the slightest request lately.  So I thought the sensible option was to train from the basics again.

I have to say it is the best thing for so many aspects of your dancing!  We've been using therabands, wobble boards, fitness balls and tennis balls and they all play a part in the fab exercises we use.  Again - didn't exist when I was young.

Therabands/dynabands, whatever your term of preference

Your feet work against the resistance these bands give.  As you push through your demi pointe you are strengthening the arch of your foot and the metatarsals.  There are many positions you can get into with these bands but I don't see myself imitating any of the pictures at the top of this post.  Let's start small!

Fitness Balls

We have spoken about these before in a previous post - if you missed it click HERE to read it.  In brief - great for your core. Strengthening and stabilising.  Not only will these exercises improve your core muscles for pointe work, they will also emanate into the rest of your dancing, showing strong calves, thighs and feet.

Wobble boards

These were a completely new experience for me!  Fantastic piece of equipment.  I wasn't saying that at the time though.  Even just to stand on these, you are constantly working your core to counteract each last wobble in an attempt to stay still.  Then comes the challenge of trying to move on them.  Just a slight lean forward or backward can throw you're whole body out of whack!  This one takes practice.

Tennis Balls 

Roll these on the arches of your feet and really push down as you do this!  Then use each toes separately to push down too.  Great strengthening exercise.  

Your feet and ankles will love you for doing this class before you ram them in a satin-disguised foot-crusher :-)

I've already felt the benefits roll right through into my other classes and my dancing is already getting stronger.  Little by little I'm building up those corse muscles.  My aim is to be able to hold my leg at 90degrees in a la séconde........ for more than a second!


We're aiming for this kind of control :-) !!:

Doesn't she get tired?!
Posted by Ballet: love, photos & videos on Thursday, September 3, 2015