Dance Tips
Great Advice from Great MindsEven the pros can learn a trick or two from the advice we feature in the Dance Tips section. We'll talk to the people who know best and try to keep our readers up to date with fresh, exciting and in depth tips that cover everything a dancer needs to know... About Face: Face BasicsNeed an all-purpose look that will keep your face brilliant under the bright lights? Ds makeup artist Denise Melroy lays down the basics to create definition that goes the distance.... More On ConditioningRead about the four principles of conditioning that are relevant for any type of physical activity that a person may undertake... Returning to DanceThere are lots of reasons people take vacations or breaks from their dance training...but before I tell you about returning to dance, let me remind you of the benefits of the dance vacation... Weight ControlThe well sought-after figure of ballet dancers is a carryover from the 19th century romantic dance period. Achieving it, though, can be difficult and potentially harmful to the body. A deeper understanding of simple weight control facts can help... Stimulating CreativityThe act of creating choreography can be difficult, with such obstacles as finding rehearsal space, finding the dancers to do the job, and finding the funding for both. Even worse than working these issues out, though, is the period of creative frustration suffered by most artists known as a "dry spell" or a creative block... Five General Principles of Conditioning for DancersThe basic principles of conditioning for a dancer are not much different than the principles of conditioning for athletes. Dancers, however, have three additional categories not used by athletes... Carbs: Debunking The MythsJust as every rule has an exception, every nutrition strategy, or diet will work for some and fail for others. It's also important to remember that most popular diets target the general public, not the serious dancer... In A NutshellHow often do you carry healthy snacks in your dance bag? Don't leave home without them... Preparing and Caring for Pointe ShoesThe proper preparation of pointe shoes is essential for every dancer. As a dancer becomes more familiar with her feet and specific needs, this process becomes highly individualized... Tips for Extending the Life of Your Pointe ShoesAll lamb's wool and toe pads should be removed from your shoes after each wearing... When can I go on pointe?The bones of a child's feet start to become harder at ages 9 - 11 years. This is why it is commonly thought that dancers should not go on pointe until this time... Dancing Without PainAn oft-neglected avenue of sports medicine, ballet can be demanding on the feet and quite challenging for podiatrists. This author shares his experience and treatment strategies... Footcare: Advice from a PodiatristThe dancer's foot requires special attention. Redness, swelling or pain is a warning sign of impending danger and can be helped by icing the affected area for 10 minute periods several times a day. The following advice may help you avoid or care for dancer's injuries; however, if pain or problems persist, see your sports physician/podiatrist... |
Going on PointeQuestion : Answer : Going up on pointe should really be made on an individual basis for each dancer at about 9 - 11. The surrounding musculature should be strong enough to stabilize and reduce stresses and strains to the joints and immature bones. The dance teacher is the one who should and can best access several of the following prerequisite guidelines in determining the student's readiness to begin pointe work. 
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