Pointe Shoes: Beginner to Beginner

About a month ago now I (Beth) got my first pair of pointe shoes which I was super excited about getting since it's something I've been wanting since the age of four when I first started dancing! I always saw it as being the final step to being a professional dancer haha. It's really not! Anyways I thought I'd write a post sharing just some things I've picked up so far about pointe shoes and my experience with them so far! Remember I'm only a beginner so most of these statements will be my opinions only.

1- First of all is to not get over confident too quickly and go up continuously leading you to fall over and possibly hurt yourself. 

2- Kind of going back on the first point is to still be confident with them on- if you don't go for it you'll never know! Bravery is a big factor of improving En Pointe. 

3- Don't do too much or wear pointe shoes before showing your dance teacher! I know it's extremely hard to resist when you've got what you've been waiting for for ages and you can't go straight up on them! But it's important to not do too much before showing your dance teacher because if your pointe shoes aren't right for you then you have to take them back. If they show they've been worn then there's no returns. 

4- When you're getting pointe shoes fitted, it's very important to be honest about what you think of your pointe shoes. If they feel too tight, too slack you must let the person fitting them know or you may struggle En Pointe, like you'd struggle walking in ordinary shoes that don't fit you. 

5- Before trying anything new En Pointe or advancing in anyway hold onto the barre or anything at the right height first if possible. For example rising with just one foot- hold onto something first to check you're strong enough without wobbling.If you are! Go for it! 

6- If you have anything different to other people with your pointe shoes like the elastics, toe covers and ouch pouches don't worry. As long as you have what is right for you nothing matters. Also don't go for what looks prettiest! 

7- Something else that is important is to not worry too much about sewing your elastics and ribbons on. We worried quite a bit about getting them right and as long as they stay sewn in and don't restrict your dancing it seriously doesn't matter too much. 

8- Always practice at home and always do the exercises you have been given or find your own exercises if you haven't been given any to do, This help you break them in and bend them to make them more flexible when you En Pointe! 

9- Finally is to enjoy yourself and embrace the beauty of your Pointe Shoes and being En Pointe!