Loubylou

:-) x

That's great, thanks Anjuli. You've helped put it in perspective as well...I did sound very impatient in that first post didn't I?! My teacher is pushing me I think as she knows/thinks I am pretty strong with all the other exercise and other types of dancing I do; haven't gone back to yoga yet this year but I will do so soon and I did ice skating every week for a while a couple of years ago (will go back to that too one day). Having said that, she was trying to get me to jump onto one foot (pointe) a couple of weeks ago but that was a tad ambitious! Also saw on another topic about the stronger foot breaking in its shoe first - that is definitely what has happened with me, as my right shoe is more broken in than left so I tried swopping thinking it would feel really weird but it was ok. Not in class just to practice in and wear. Think I'm going to try a few reps in the gym of the leg press where you have your legs in front of you just doing the ankles - but as you say, on a very small weight and only a few reps. I will follow your suggestions about hands off barre etc; I rise then take hands off but that's more for balance than strength isn't it. I do think about lifting upwards through the body and have felt a pull in my stomach muscles a couple times so that must be a good sign?? :-) Thankyou!

Hi, hope you don't mind me starting a new topic, am sure it's been talked about many times before but thought there's bound to be people needing advice all the time really. Am loving reading this forum, don't post very often, once I get my new phone will hopefully do so more often. You all gave me loads of help and encouragement when I was going for my first pair of pointe shoes at the ripe old age of 40 in December! Am loving doing pointe work tho progress is slow - tho I don't know what normal speed is so maybe it is ok! Doing pointe I can really feel a weakness in my left foot, I would say ankle but really it's between my ankle and top of my foot if that makes sense, the bones? teacher has advised rises and theraband, wondering what else may help and not really sure how much of the theraband I should be doing. Have also posted on wobble board thread for same advice. But please feel free to enter on here any thoughts on pointe work at all :-) Thanks!

Hi everyone, sorry I didn't give an update since you all so kindly gave me advice on pointe shows in December - will try to post it somewhere appropriate but suffice to say I am loving pointe! I've tried to do a multiquote reply here but don't think it has worked (apologies if it does something really weird!) - tried to repeat taxi4ballet's request for info about how to use a wobbleboard and what for and re LinMM's post above - Lidl has them for £7.99. I've found one under my bed (!) never used it before but I can feel when doing pointe I need to strengthen my ankles, especially the left so will start using it if that is what it is good for - silly question p'raps but do you just stand on it?? For how long/how often? Thanks!

Thanks Michelle, good that they rang you. I rang them yesterday, didn't get an apology as such but she looked into it as I was on the phone, confirmed items were now in stock (not sure if they were not when I ordered tho as surely it would have said on the website) and promised to send them that day so I think it is those who ring up who get dealt with first if they still have a big backlog so am definitely pleased I rang. My confirmation of dispatch email was sent at 4.20 this morning so maybe they are working hard to deal with it all! :-) Just hope it all fits now so don't have to return and re-order...

Hi, anybody else still having trouble? Ordered on 26th Dec (I think) and know they were shut til New Year but not heard anything, have emailed twice, just get an automated response...I'll call them tomorrow and let you know... x

LinMM - did you not get on with your Wearmoi size 16? Am assuming not as you've said since you've had one made... TabbyCool - really helpful posts, thankyou :-) Do you think the Revolution ones would be good for shorter people too (5 foot 2 and half (that half is v. important! )) ? Talking of swimming cosies, I was surprised how hard it was to find one when I started swimming again a couple of years ago, mainly too low at the front or not enough at the sides of boobs

blimey this sounds complicated - and is my next task....have managed to get away with tights, short leggings and any top until now but have to go into the "proper gear" next term yikes

Just rang Stardust - appointment 12.00 Saturday!! Am ridiculously excited...probably won't sleep a wink til then!!

Thankyou! I am going to make notes and take them with me when I go! I wouldn't have thought of the point about warm feet from walking so will definitely bear that in mind.

Thankyou all sooo much - for advice and encouragement! This forum is great and you are all so welcoming :-). I've been having a read of other subjects too, particularly the one about returning to ballet...I try not to have regrets but thought if I could go en pointe even just once in my life! First class is on January 7th so waiting for the shop in Birmingham will be cutting it a bit fine I think. I don't mind travelling, wherever we go we can make a day out of it. My teacher has said she wants the shoes ready for the first class but I will check with her as I can always go to see her beforehand for her to check them. LinMM - I've always been more of a Lou Lou really but Loubylou just came to me! :-) I'll keep you posted - if definitely either Edward or Stardust methinks

Hi, I came across this forum as I was obsessively googling advice on pointe shoe fitting - my first at the age of 40!!!! Lifelong dream, am very excited but confused too! Teacher suggested Stardust in Lichfield but has said to go where I wish; have also come across Charades in Wolvs. But when I rang Step by Step school they advised Edward at Ladanse in Worcester who I have read about on here; Rutleigh/Norris were adamant about Lapointe in Evesham and another Edward...haven't found them on net so am wondering if they are the same place?? I may be being silly but Edward at Ladanse sounds very serious so may think I am silly to be doing it at my age?? Is there a huge price difference between Ladanse/Lapointe and the others? Stardust look very nice and completely professional from their webpage. I am in Mid Wales so it needs to be around the Midlands area. I think I have too much choice now so would just like some advice please/reassurance! :-) Oh - and also - how many hours should I spend wearing them in before my first pointe class? Thanks very much in advance.