I want to start pointe. what do i need to know about it before i start?

Question:so i want to start pointe over the summer. at my studio i have to take a summer class as an addution. i have danced for 7 years. ballet for 4. do you think i am ready? what do i need to know about pointe wha is best way for getting ankels strong?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: so i want to start pointe over the summer. at my studio i have to take a summer class as an addution. i have danced for 7 years. ballet for 4. do you think i am ready? what do i need to know about pointe wha is best way for getting ankels strong?

Right now your probably excited and nervous. Purchase a theraband (this will strengthen your feet) and do excersises with it. Most come with instructions on how to do excersises. If you do these everyday for at least a week you will love the results. Your feet will grow stronger and stronger allowing you to do more and more things with your shoes. When you get your pointe shoes ask your teacher to approve them, she (or he) will be able to tell if they are the perfect shoes for you. Also buy a bag to store your shoes it (they will smell). After you use them take them out of your dance bag and let them hang. This will air them out so they don't smell as much and will preserve them so that you can use them for longer. Purchase Jet Glue (you apply this to your tips when they start to die, toe tape (to wrap around your toes to help prevent blisters), and foot spray ( I have foot mist by Bunheads that makes my feet smell a lot better). Make sure you have ribbons and elastics. Sewing them can be tedious your first time. Ask at the place where you buy your pointe shoes how to sew on the ribbons and elastics. A great book is The Ballet Companion and it is made by Gaynor Mindon. Although it is pricy it has tons of valuable information not only about pointe but about dance in general. There is a section in there on how to sew your pointe shoes. After you dance soak your feet in warm (not scalding) water to make your feet feel better. Clip your toenails so that they don't become to long because they will irritate you. Don't cut them too short however because they will become ingrown. If you get pedicures ask them not to scrape the callus off your feet because that is helpful in dance. Good luck!
PS .All the items that I have mentioned are sold at www.discountdance.com for a great price.

Talk with your dance instructor. That would be the most likely person to advise you.

I found this link on Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pointe#Prep...

As the first answers says, talk to your teacher. they know your abilities best.

At my studio, you need to take a minimum of three classes a week ( not including pointe classes) in order to get ( or remain) strong. If i were you, i would up the number of classes i take, and take extra Barres if possible, really focusing on building strength in your feet. Releves work wonders in strengthening feet, try them one legged too, for an extra challenge. Ask your teacher for tips...
good luck and i hope you get on pointe soon! it's so fun!