My students must be at least 12 years old before I’ll even consider letting them get pointe shoes!  Using pointe shoes too early can damage growth plates in the feet and I think students need to understand the responsibility of pointe shoes.

You need to do two things to prepare your feet for pointe work: Flexibility and Strength.

Flexibility covers all aspects of your foot.  When pointing, ankles and toes must be at least in a straight line with the shin bone to help the dancer fully balance on the block.  Feet also need to be slightly “fished” where the big toe is in line with the shin bone – no trace of sickling.  I also like my dancers to develop their demi pointe so the big toe can flex to at least 90 degrees.

Strength comes with practice and practice and more practice.  Demi pointe work is essential for strengthening your whole body in preparation for pointe.  Rises are key to achieve the correct action of ankles and use of legs. Thera-bandsare good “at home” practice.  I tell my girls to “pick up a tissue” (drop a tissue on the ground and repeatedly pick it up with your toes and drop it again)

Basic ballet technique needs to be very sound before attempting pointe work.  Once a student goes en pointe without the use of correct technique it becomes dangerous.

A little bit of attention to your feet each day will help prepare your feet for pointe!

*    Side parts are easy way to jazz up your ballet bun from the pony tail.  You can even braid your side parts if you’ve got extra time.

*    Add multiple buns or you could offset your pony position for a side bun.

*    Figure 8 buns can be done sideways or vertically (just make a normal single twist and pull the center through!)

* French rolls and other “bridal” hair styles are great for new inspiration for your ballet bun styles!

Have fun practising your new looks, tell us your fav ballet hairstyle in the comments!

Danskin has always been one of the leading dance/fitness brands for over a century!!  Perfect styles for active people in dance, yoga and fitness available world-wide.  Currently Danskin has a lovely new range for Womens Summer 2011 Active Wear.  Womens Yoga Enchanted Forest styles are definately my fav pick of the collection! Danskin.com – Find the season’s hottest Active, Dance and Yogawear. Enjoy Free Shipping everyday on orders over $75!

Danskin – A History of Innovation:

Danskin was founded in 1882 in New York City by brothers Joel and Benson Goodman to manufacture goods specifically for dancers’ needs, and has since been one of the worlds leading manufacturers of dance and active wear for girls and women.

They introduced the first knit tights and leotards, and pioneered the production of such dance standards as fishnet stockings.

Throughout the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, Danskin dominated the market for dancewear in the United States, and expanded their influence by introducing Danskin for gymnasts and figure skaters. In the 1950′s, they created the first nylon bodywear for the general population.

In 1976, the company began to market swimwear. By the end of the decade, Danskin boasted an 80 percent share of the bodywear market overall. In 2006, 124 years after it began, Danskin was ranked #35 of the WWD top 100 brands, demonstrating its stronghold in the women’s athletic apparel realm. 

Random Tip Number One

For cheaper slip on jazz shoes, re-thread lace up jazz shoes with matching elastic and tie in knot.

Random Tip Number Two

Secure ballet ribbon knots on flats or pointe shoes with a clear band aid.

Random Tip Number Three

To avoid sequins etc from costumes catching in fishnet stockings,

wear matching sheer stockings over the top.

Random Tip Number Four

Use black eye liner first to mask any gaps before applying false eye lashes.

Random Tip Number Five

Go a shade darker on foundation and blend into your hairline, neck and ear lobes.

Random Tip Number Six

Rehearse your dance in FULL COSTUMING!

Random Tip Number Seven

Cut music perfect so it sounds professional.

Random Tip Number Eight

Eat and drink before and after all dances, even if it’s only a mouthful.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

You will need

* Ribbon (Double sided satin is an easy first choice) at least 1m – depends how big you want your rose.  I prefer to leave ribbon on the spool so I don’t have to worry about running out of ribbon before it’s the size I want.

* Needle and thread

* Scissors

Beginning

Take ribbon and fold over the top corner about 2/3 down the ribbon.  Use a few stitches to hold in place.  Roll all of the folded section and stitch to hold.  Try to keep the folded edge fairly even as this is the flower face.

Fold

Fold ribbon over at about 45 degree angle. (Do not be too worried about making it exact!)

Roll

Roll up your flower along the fold until it disappears.

Repeat, repeat, repeat!!!   Note: The tips of the petals are made from how you fold between each roll; if you find too many petals are in the same spot you might want to roll the next petal a little looser.