| Be in pointe shoes as much as you can. Once you've | | | | shoe that contacts the floor, causing you to slip. |
| gone beyond beginning pointe work, wearing the shoes | | | | And the socks will keep your ankles warm, too. |
| for barre work is a good habit. | | | | Sometimes a ballet store will stock leg warmers that |
| The sole of the foot, and ankle, have to work so much | | | | end in a sock-like part, with the heel and toe open. |
| more with every tendu, degage, and rise onto | | | | Pointe shoes are beautiful when new, but get beaten |
| demi-pointe. The shoe resists, and the muscles get a | | | | up looking easily. When I was training, there was little |
| better workout. | | | | concern about how long they would look new. Scuffs |
| If the thickness of the sole makes your foot wobble | | | | and worn satin were a sign of hard work. |
| because it does not lie flat on the floor, use a wood | | | | If you have a performance coming up, it's different. |
| file, and shave the sole down lightly. You can get the | | | | Wear socks over them as needed. Try to have as |
| sole close to flush with the satin, so that your foot will | | | | many pairs as you need broken in to the same degree |
| be flatter on the floor. Straining the ankles from | | | | before your shows. |
| wobbling is distracting. | | | | When your feet are totally sore and aching, use an ice |
| Even wearing worn out pointe shoes is better than | | | | pack! It is wonderful for pain and can be done several |
| wearing soft shoes. There is still more effort needed, | | | | times an evening. (15 min. per hour max). But not |
| until the shoe is completely mushy. | | | | touching bare skin. |
| There was a long thread on a ballet forum I was on | | | | Also, lying on the floor with your legs resting straight up |
| recently, about keeping the shoes clean by wearing | | | | the wall for a few minutes is good to help your |
| socks over them. You can do this safely by cutting a | | | | muscles relax. |
| small hole at the heel, and one at the toe. The sock will | | | | Work hard, and relax and stretch your muscles to |
| go under the arch, but it won't be under part of the | | | | keep the best tone. |