On February 8th, at six pm, aspiring dancers and parents gathered at the School at Steps to learn about all things regarding pointe shoes. In the center of a fairly large studio, a table draped with a bright pink table cloth stood. Behind the table sat Amy Brandt, the editor of Pointe Magazine, Dr. John Brummer who is a podiatrist, Mary Carpenter who is a professional pointe shoe fitter, Leslie Brown who is a former ABT principal and master teacher, and the one and only Misty Copeland who is currently a soloist with ABT. One by one, each explained their experiences with pointe shoes, how they should feel and look like, how to avoid/treat the common problems dancers face from the long hours spent on pointe, etc. Here are some of the things I have learned.
Mary Carpenter, a professional pointe shoe fitter, discussed about most of the things I covered in my blog post “Finding The Right Fit.” Besides talking about how pointe shoes should feel and look like, she made one very important point. You should always hang up your pointe shoes to dry every night (toes upward) and you should have multiple pairs sewn and broken in that way you can alternate pairs. Doing both of these things will help your pointe shoes last longer. For more information, go check out her new YouTube channel. It is called “DancewithmaryNYC.” She stated that she has found “a gap of information for teachers, young students, and parents in regards to pointe shoes.” She hopes to fill in this gap by providing many videos discussing topics such as foot care and padding. She will also include interviews with professional dancers such as Jessica Saund who is a former American Ballet Theatre dancer. I am looking forward to watching her new YouTube videos!
Dr. Hohn Brummer, a podiatrist, talked about the most frequent foot problems that occur from wearing pointe shoes such as bunions, hammer toes, blisters, etc. He stated that some things you are bound to get if you are dancing on pointe for several hours a day like blisters or if its part of your genetics like bunions. However, hammer toes, bunions, blisters, corns, etc. are not as likely to occur if you tape each one of your toes (individually), and if you are wearing properly fitted pointe shoes. For example, blisters and corns are caused by friction. If you tape your toes and if you are wearing properly fitted pointe shoes, there will be less friction.
Amy Brandt, who is the editor of pointe magazine, shared her experiences finding the properly fitted pointe shoe. When she was still training, she found a pointe shoe that fitted her perfectly. However, whenever a new and trendy pointe shoe came out, she and her friends would go out and buy the shoe only to discover that it did not look good or feel right. She realized that it is important to find a shoe that feels and looks good. Do not just buy a pointe shoe because it is trendy, new, etc.! She was so nice and humble and I look forward to reading her new advice columns in Pointe Magazine (my favorite magazine!).
Leslie Browne, former American Ballet Theatre Principal and master teacher, also agreed that a properly fitted pointe shoe is very important. It not only decreases your risk of injuries, blisters, bunions, etc., but it also looks good and allows you to dance freely. In addition, she explained how important it is to tape each toe individually to prevent blisters, and to just take good care of your feet. After all, they are what you need to dance on pointe!
Misty Copeland, who is a soloist with American Ballet Theatre, explained her past experiences with pointe shoes. She did not know what pointe shoes were until she received her first pair at the Boys and Girls Club in San Pedro, California at the age of thirteen. She was naturally built and strong enough to go on pointe with barely a year of training. One of her teachers recommended not using toe pads that way she can really articulate her feet in the pointe shoes. Ever since then she has been wearing her pointe shoes without toe pads! She talked about how when a pointe shoe is the right fit, it molds to your foot and is comfortable yet supportive. She then put on her pointe shoes and showed everyone how a pointe shoe should look like and stated how she can wear her pointe shoes all day because they are so comfortable. She was so kind, humble, and inspiring!
It was an amazing experience meeting and learning from Amy Brandt, Mary Carpenter, Leslie Browne, Dr. Hohn Brummer, and Misty Copeland! It was truly a night to remember!
Tututastic For You 