pixy-dust

19 minutes ago, Kate_N said:

Hi PixyDust - I'm not sure if you're asking about pointe: I'd say 2 years of classes with a hypermobility condition isn't quite enough, but it sounds as though your teacher is being sensible here.

 

As for your feet: it looks as though you have:

* good ankle flexibility, although there are some experts who advocate that pointe readiness requires the ability to draw a straight line through the joints from knee to toe - here's the ballet-focused physiotherapist Lisa Howell on YOuTube, - listen to what she has to say.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35gPlaYOnm4&list=PLo8DXd6bv4b2vPUybFmuqUDqNVlq4qCkd

 

* But you're sickling quite badly in the picture of you on demi-pointe in second position. So badly that you need to really pay attention to engaging your turnout rotators at the top of your legs & in your hips, & lower back. You might find Eric Franklin's books really helpful on visualising this, or read the "Alignment" thread in this forum, and see also the recommendation for Gretchen Warren's book on Classical Technique.

 

* It looks as though your curling or crunching your big toes, rather than stretching them. People** do that in the mistaken attempt to point the foot. The action of pointing comes from stretching through the ankle, not crunching up the toes. My teacher has us work in bare feet at the start of some classes (eg Progressing Ballet Technique and pre-pointe) to try to spread our toes, and plant them on the floor.  

** ha ha, who am I kidding! I do it ...

 

* To strengthen feet, you can do some simple exercises: 'Doming" is the main one - it's amazing how that works the tiny muscles in the instep and toes. Here's a video presented at the IADMS conference a few years ago.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WqR6wJFLQg

 

Hi, 

My teacher is a former corps de ballet dancer with Australia ballet from the 1980's and she said that for those who have JHS or EDS, it could take 3-4 years of training with regular classes. 

She's always correcting me in class and at first I would get kind of upset over it but my brother said that I should appreciate that she even bothers to give me feedback and it's a compliment. 

She also said that pointe is not suitable for everyone but she can see me going on them one day as I'm stronger than I first started. 

When I first started my ankles would twist whenever I'm walking which was very painful but it does not happen anymore. 

Do you think I have normal, low arches or rigid flat feet? 

8 hours ago, Nicola H said:

i'd agree with  what others have said. 

the pictures you  show  in your link aren't ones that really help with  saying what type of  foot you have   in terms of  the  toe profiles , also if you  teacher thinks you are a year of regular class  away from going on pointe you feet may well change in that time  -  i know i've dropped  a width  due to taking  class regularly as the  instrinsic muscles have toned up ...

 

 

I see, I have tapered toes. ☺️

15 hours ago, dancertaxi said:

Hi

 

Do you mean what pointe shoes? 

 

As your teacher has said you are around a year off needing pointe shoes I d continue with building strength. I m not a professional but your releve in second looks like your ankles are pushing out - might be the angle of the camera. 

 

I wouldnt worry about shank or shape of shoes its best practice to go to a reputable pointe shoe fitting for your first Pointe Shoes anyway and they will ensure the correct shape and shank is given to you through assessing your feet and trying on lots of shoes. 

 

 

Hi, 

I mean ballet shoes/ballet slippers. 

I noticed some have a v-cut and a u-cut and I am not exactly sure which will make my feet look prettier. 

I'll like to point out I've tried bloch shoes (hated them), MDM (very hard to point my feet but good for strengthening) and Merlet (I liked these but they became damaged very easily). 

52 minutes ago, Anna C said:

Hello pixy-dust and welcome. ☺️  Do you mind me asking how old you are, and also your level of experience? Have you started pointe work or are you preparing for it? 

Hi, I'm 24. Been doing ballet for only 2 years but I mainly do contemporary dance and sports such as rhythmic gymnastics. 

My teacher said I have at least another year or so to go but I haven't exactly found the right ballet shoe. 😢 

Hello everyone, I need advice and help in terms of my feet shape and which vamp etc will be most suitable for me.

I will like to point out that I have Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and although it affects my entire body, my ankles and shoulders can sometimes dislocate if I stop strengthening everything. 

I have attached some photos and I look forward to hearing from you all! 😘

P.S Sorry for the low quality photos but you can still see my feet. 😀

http://s557.photobucket.com/user/pixy-dust-here/slideshow/