I am starting pointe this fall, how can I improve before then?

Question

So I started ballet last summer, and I'm pretty proficient at I think (ballet 4 at my studio, 7 is highest) and my teacher says that if I strengthen my ankles and core that I can start pointe next year, but I really want to get better before I go to a more advanced class so I don't look like an idiot..

I love barre and am good at it, but as soon as I get to center floor I look like a crazy frog or something if I don't have lots of time to rehearse the combination, which I know is bad (like the glissades, assembles, grand jetes, etc)

Help!!

Answer 1

you could try yoga classes to help improve your balance for when it's time to go out to the middle of the floor

Answer 2

you really need to work on your core you will have absolutely no control especially on pointe if you don't. you're going to end up hurting your ankles.

really work on feeling like you're a rubber band in the sense that your core stretches from the tip of your head to the tip of your toes. Lengthening your entire body.

without a barre do sets of releves in different positions, this will help both your core and strengthening of your ankles

you can also do 16 count plies without the barre(8 counts down and 8 back up) keeping your back straight and butt tucked under

if you can you can take a pilates pulse class as well it strengthens your core and is amazing for dancers

Answer 3

You want to work on the arch of your feet. On the floor with your knees facing the ceiling, stretch your feet so they can almost touch the floor or touch the floor. You can also have someone stretch your feet (be careful when you do this) by having someone gently push your feet down as you stretch them. Another way is; on your bended knees facing the ceiling, have some hold down to your feet while you gently straighten your knees - only to as much as you can. Key word here is GENTLY.

Then you can strengthen them by doing your eleves and releves. Practice your plies and tendues - making sure you are articulating your foot as you brush the floor. Proper techniques are what's going to make you improve.

Answer 4

everyday, sit down and write the ABC's with each foot individually. this should strengthen your ankles.

Answer 5

hmm...as exciting as pointe is, I'd be very reluctant to start any pointe work after only 2 years of training. Your teacher is right though, strong ankles are a MUST for pointe work, people seem to focus on good high arches but they forget the key to pointe work is strong ankles as well as strong legs of course ;o)

I love barre too however I love allegro exercises slightly more. The idea of barre work is to train, and warm your body up. As you mentioned problems with your core I think i can see why your having trouble with centre work.

A barre is excellent, however it is very easy to rely on the barre to support you when you should be doing the work. Pull up and hold your centre alignment (shoulders square, shoulder blades apart, bottom down etc and don't forget to BREATHE). Try not to grip the barre, simply place your hand on it and use it as a guide, not as a prop. Don't put all of your weight towards the barre as your centre becomes off. When you do barre exercises (plies, tendus etc) try taking your hand off every couple of seconds or better still try an exercise without holding the barre. This forces you to work your body and will help you with your core problems. My teacher was also fond of making us do our exercise holding onto a chair. It was an embarrassing lesson I learnt when I realised how much of my weight I put on the barre, as the chair moves very easily. Try this, you'll be surprise how much you rely on that barre.

A lot of centre work comes from basic steps (many of which are learnt at the barre first). If you follow a syllabus or booklet of some sort try getting a copy of it. Or grab a few mates and practise those exercises you learnt in class. Be honest with each other- no ones perfect and it helps you as a dancer when you see common mistakes others make.

Practise, Practise, Practise... if your not sweating 15 mins into a ballet lesson your not working hard enough (or at least according to my teacher). Hope something might help you here...

:o)

Answer 6

first of all..you shouldn't do pointe after 2 years of ballet even if ur anckles are strong enough. i did 6 years of ballet before i didi pointe.

what i do to practice center is balence on passe, then go to soosu, then do passe on relelve. just while you wait your turn walk through whatevery ur doing then if your stil having trubble with it ask ur teacher to go over the combenation again. it's ok to ask.