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FAQ: Where can I get some for my 4 year old to play in?
Not from zandance. Pointe Shoes are not toys. Pointe Shoes are NOT safe for kids. In this age of younger the better thinking, some parents are attempting to purchase pointe shoes for toddlers. BAD IDEA. Human bones are soft in early years, especially bones in feet. No matter how talented a young dancer is, or could be, pointe shoes are not for children ages 0 -9 years of age. Pointe Shoes are not play toys at any age.
FAQ: If I start ballet at age 4, will I get my pointe shoes sooner?
NO! No matter how good the dancer is, one must wait for the bones to get hard enough to support the body for pointe work. This is a big problem for dancers who start very young.
FAQ: So when can I get Pointe Shoes?
One should be at least 10 for bones to be hard enough in feet to support weight of body. But that’s just one part of readiness. Muscles must be strong enough and that comes from taking at least 3 classes per week for at least 6 months. But that’s just part of it. Technique must be a habit, so you don’t have to think about the basics, it just happens and that only comes from years of experience. Your instructor will let you know when you are ready. Pointe Shoes should only be purchased with dance instructor permission and then should only be used in class and at home practicing steps and combinations approved by the dancer's instructor.
FAQ: If I begin ballet as an adult, can I get Pointe Shoes?
Many who begin as adults go on to get pointe shoes. Bones in feet are not easily molded, so as an adult, pointe shoes either work for you or they don’t. One still needs to start in ballet shoes, learn the basics, develop the muscles, make good technique a habit, before attempting pointe work. One still needs to take 3 classes per week regularly.
FAQ: Is it true that toe shoes damage your feet?:
Pointe shoes are lovingly nicknamed as "torture chambers" by ballerinas. They are not as bad for the feet as most believe. Their bad reputation stems from poor fit, poor technique, starting too young. In fact I suspect that proper use of properly fit pointe shoes does far less damage than wearing high heel street shoes with pointed toes. A well fit pointe shoe distributes body weight over the entire foot so what's the problem?
Ever hear a dancer tell a story about removing her pointe shoe and pouring blood out of them? It happens but don't blame the pointe shoe. 1) Using toe padding that does not absorb moisture will cause the foot to slip in the box and the slipping is like using sandpaper on the skin. 2) Gradual increases of time on pointe allows the skin to thicken and results in a layer of protection. Take a leap from a few minutes of pointe work to hours of rehearsal and there will be blistering, often bleeding blisters. 3) Rather than having several pair of pointe shoes broken in, the dancer has just one pair. Surprise the old comfortable broken in pair just dies at rehearsal, so a new pair is used. New shoes are like wear sharp edges.
FAQ: How can I Protect my feet while on Pointe?
The best protection is a well fitted pointe shoe. A well fitted pointe shoe makes all the difference in performance and in protection from injury. Getting the right combination of options in a pointe shoe, while learning about the unique aspects of your feet can reduce injury. The secret is to make the shoe conform to the foot rather than making the foot conform to the shoe. The goal is to use the shoe to distribute body weight over the entire foot. If this is done, then standing on pointe is not that much different from standing on demi-pointe. The shoe too big allows the foot to slip down inside and all body weight becomes focused on a small space that can cause damage over time. The shoe too small can cut off circulation.
FAQ: What about toes of uneven lengths?
Toe lengths are an important factor. One or two toes longer than the others can cause body weight to be focused on those toes even in well fit shoes. When the big toe is significantly longer or shorter than the other toes, he dancer may experience wobbles while on pointe even tho muscles are strong and technique is good. These wobbles are dangerous for while doing something tricky a wobble can unlock a supporting joint, the dancer can come down in an unusual positions and twist an ankle or pull a muscle. Dr. Alan Woodle has invented a solution for this problem.
FAQ: What about feet of different size?
Few dancers have two feet of equal size. Pointe shoes should be fitted to the larger foot. Gaynor Minden cushions, that glue into the shoe and become a part of the shoe, can adjust the size for the smaller foot. If there is more than a size difference between the feet, then the dancer should purchase 2 pair of pointe shoes, one pair for each sized foot.
FAQ: Why does my toe nail turn black from pointe work?
There are several possibilities all relate to poor fit of the shoe. Is the foot slipping in the box, allowing full body weight to slam down on the toe nail? Is that toe longer than the others? If so then Toe Caps may solve the problem. Is that foot larger than the other? If so did you fit the pointe shoes to the smaller foot?
FAQ: What's the best toe pad or cushion?
Toe pads or cushions fit inside the box to protect the toes. They also help to glue the foot into the box in a comfortable way. The only ones that I cannot recommend are ones made from materials that do not absorb moisture for they can cause blisters. (Some solve the problem with a moisture absorbing fabric lining.)
| Lambs Wool: |
It may be old fashion but it still works great! Use to pad entire box area, or just a wad makes a great toe spacer, or protection for a pressure point. Only drawback is that it takes time for beginners to learn how to use it properly.
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| Ouch Pouch: |
Firm Thin pouch works great. |
| Jelly Toes: |
Similar to Ouch Pouch works great. |
| Kleenex Tissue: |
Used by some advanced dancers. Just one layer over the toes and into the box it goes. |
| Gaynor Minden Cushions: |
Used to adjust size of shoe and are glued inside of the shoe. No other padding should be used when these are used. |
TOE CAPS:
(These are not cushions)
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Dr. Alan Woodle DPN invented Toe Caps. They benefit dancers who have one or more toes longer than the others. Toe caps distribute the weight of the body as if all toes were even length. The dancer takes her feet and pointe shoes to Dr. Woodle and he makes them to fit the dancer’s unique feet. Since toes tend to grow in proportion, many dancers can get years of use out of a set of toe caps even tho feet are still growing.
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