There is a reason you can get this on a sweatshirt. It's funny because it's true. But also . . . .
We don't just want dancers pointing their toes. We want them pointing their feet and ankles, too. Too often, people say "point your toes!" to kids who actually are pointing their toes---just with a dorsi-flexed ankle.
Aside from using more helpful language, here are some other tips to help your dancers:
Stretch your feet. There are a million ways to do this but it really can be as simple as sitting on the floor with your legs out in front of you, pointing your feet, and holding the position while you notice the stretch across the top of your feet. Next, flex your feet while keeping your heels on the ground and hold that position. Repeat four sets, increasing the time you spend in each stretch with each rep.
Strengthen the intrinsic muscles of your feet. Pick up marbles with your toes one at a time and drop them into a bowl. Repeat with the other foot.
Massage your feet. Whether that's with your hands or using a soft, small ball, massaging your feet helps release tension and improves the elasticity of the soft tissues in your feet.
Don't slop through your tendus. We do them every day but the dancers who do them mindfully get the most benefit. The way you tendu is the way you are going to point your foot all day, whether it's part of a développé or a changement.
Theraband exercises. Again, there are a million of these and you've probably taught at least half of them to your students. Theraband exercises are a great way to strengthen, stretch, and warm up your feet. If we had all the time in the world, I'd start every class with them.
Stretch your demi-point. We focus so much on getting that long line across the top of the foot but you've got to stretch the muscles along the bottom of your toes as well. Healthy feet are mobile in both directions.
It's so basic. It's basic like Ranch dressing, Candy Crush, and pumpkin spice lattes. But 9 times out of 10, the kids who ask my after class, "What can I do to make my point better?" aren't doing these simple, basic things.
It only works if you do, kids.
If you're looking for more information on preparing your students specifically for pointe work, I've got you covered 😉
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