formerdancer.com

Category: pointe shoes

  • Holding On and Letting Go

    When I was a child, one of the many things that I loved about ballet class was standing in place at the barre. Each student stood a respectful distance away from one another, occupying their own panel of mirror. The barre was so smooth and solid under my fingers. It supported my full weight –…

  • What’s the Point of Pointe Shoes?

    This weekend my 12-year-old niece came to visit me. She is taking ballet classes, among other kinds of activities, and she has not yet begun classes on pointe. Often pointe training begins with 15-20 minutes of work at the end of a ballet class so that your muscles are warm. She hopes that she’ll be…

  • Old Pointe Shoes

    My 12-year-old niece is coming for a visit soon. She’s a recreational ballet student so it’s not clear whether pointe shoes are in her future. And yet she is fascinated by them. She asked whether I might have an old pair she could try on when she is here. I don’t have such a pair,…