Technical Tuesday Pointe Shoe Anatomy
I’ve heard from several doctors that humans should not dance
on pointe. Well, I did it for decades and my feet are fine – they don’t even
look bad – they look normal.
That being said, some feet are better suited than others,
and those that aren’t may tend to develop problems like bunions, etc. But
generally, I believe that if a dancer is well trained from the beginning, most, if not all, problems can be avoided.
The anatomy of the foot actually does allow for pointe work,
with the help of a properly fitted shoe. Correct dance training strengthens the
feet, ankles and the legs so the weight of the body is supported and doesn’t
“sink” into the shoes.
A pointe shoe is made up of several basic sections:
1.
The Box:
The critical part that encases (or “boxes” in) the dancer’s toes, making them
work as a single, strong unit. This provides the stability that allows a human being
to dance on pointe. The Box is made
up of three basic parts:
a.
The Platform:
the bottom that allows the dancer to stand flat when on pointe
b.
The Vamp:
the front and sides that help support the metatarsals
c.
The
Throat: the actual opening of the vamp that can be different shapes
(rounded or V)
2.
The
Shank: this is the firm material that serves to stiffen the sole of the
shoe. This helps support the dancer’s arch.
Today, dancers have many different choices of manufacturer
and style when it comes to selecting the pointe shoe that works best for their
personal anatomy. All of the above sections of the shoe can be changed and
adapted. The guidance of a knowledgeable teacher is important, both in
selecting a shoe style, and in training the dancer.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Ballet Secret #25r:
“A pointe shoe is made up of several basic sections, allowing the human anatomy the ability to dance on the tips of
the toes.”
Link of the Day:
Quote of the Day:
“Man
often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself
that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really
becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I
can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have
it at the beginning.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
― Mahatma Gandhi
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http://balletconnections.com/DebraWebbRogers
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