How To Safely Use A Foot Stretcher [Video]

by Romy Macias, Senior Editor | Dec 30, 2013 | Pointe Shoes

I started using a foot stretcher around 18 years ago, mainly to acquire the sensation of my heel forward and my toes back, as when you tendu devant. I was always careful to use it after class when my feet were warmed-up. I also used it with my pointe shoes on which...

When Do You Know You’re Pointe Shoes Are Dead? [Video]

by Romy Macias, Senior Editor | Dec 27, 2013 | Pointe Shoes

Knowing when to switch to new pointe shoes is essential to the health of your feet in order to avoid injury and enjoy a long ballet career. When Do You Know You’re Pointe Shoes Are Dead? Three important signs to look for in your pointe shoes to know when...

How To Break-in New Pointe Shoes [Video Tutorial]

by Romy Macias, Senior Editor | Dec 17, 2013 | Pointe Shoes

How To Break-in New Pointe Shoes Breaking-in new pointe shoes is part of the ritual of prepping your shoes for class, rehearsal and performances. So after you’ve sewn on your ribbons and elastics, pancaked your shoes, it’s time to break them in! Here are...

The Benefits of Soaking Your Feet [Video]

by Romy Macias, Senior Editor | Dec 15, 2013 | Pointe Shoes

You’ve been in the studio or at the company rehearsals for hours. All you want to do is get home and soak your feet. The Benefits of Soaking Your Feet In this video Jim and I share why ballerinas soak their feet, why it’s beneficial, and what to use when...

2 Warm-up Exercises for Feet: Ankles, Arches, Toes and Calves [Video]

by Romy Macias, Senior Editor | Dec 15, 2013 | Pointe Shoes

Two Warm-up Exercises for Feet: Ankles, Arches, Toes and Calves As dancers we’re trained to use or own bodies to create resistance when stretching or warming-up. Here are two exercises that work by using your body to warm-up arches, Achilles tendon and instep....

Exercises to Relieve Bunion Pain and Increase Mobility [Video]

by Romy Macias, Senior Editor | Dec 15, 2013 | Pointe Shoes

  In our previous bunion post, I talked about what a bunion is, how to spot one (symptoms) and why ballerinas get them in the first place. I also shared how to care for bunions if you already have them. Exercises to Relieve Bunion Pain and Increase Mobility In...