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The next level: improving pointe work.

Article Excerpt
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How wonderful it would be to feel lifted and delicate, to feel above gravity--like you're dancing on air. That's how Tiler Peck, soloist with New York City Ballet, describes her experience when dancing on pointe. But much hard work was required before she found this freedom.

Most dancers think that to improve their pointe work they only need to spend more time practicing releves. While that is necessary, the dancer must be far more informed if she is to make real progress. She must understand that the shape and structure of her foot will dictate not only the type of shoe she should wear, but also the exercises she must practice.

BONE STRUCTURE AND SHOES

To meet the demands of pointe work the foot has to be strong, supple, and as sensitive as a hand. Its natural structure--something we can do nothing about--can be either an advantage or disadvantage. To be successful on pointe a dancer must have a flexible ankle. This allows the foot...

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