Footsie Friday 2: Arch pain (or lack thereof)

The Ballet Blog has a very good article on how to relieve--and forever rid yourself of--arch pain in your feet. This is something that I struggle with, and I will be following their advice to help my feet become "retrained" and avoid putting too much strain on my arch.
Read the article here.

Note: The Ballet Blog references The Pointe Book: Shoes, Training & Technique Second Edition. I highly recommend this book! I've made purchasing it easy for you--just use the link below!

Theraband Thursday 2: Improve your pointe stability

Whether you're watching TV, reading a book, or riding in the car, you can improve your stability on pointe with this simple exercise. It'll build muscle and help you keep from rolling over or twisting your ankle.

1. Loop the theraband around your foot so that it covers an area from the arch of your foot to above your toes. Hold one end in each hand.
2. Point your foot. 
3. Alternate between sickling your foot and winging your foot.
4. Repeat on the other foot.

Book review: The Pointe Book

The Pointe Book by Janice Barringer and Sara Schlesinger is one of my favorite ballet references--I bought it a couple months before I went en pointe, and I've referenced it many times since.

Why it's great: The Pointe Book gives pointe dancers information as they need it. It begins with what a pointe shoe is and how to prepare for pointe, and it ends with pointe exercises and safety. What's in the middle? A slew of reference information on pointe brands, foot injuries and healing, and professional dancers' techniques for keeping pointe shoes long-lasting is just a small list of the things in this book.

Awesome bumper sticker

 (Buy it here)

There's a couple things I love in life. One is dance. Another is people who appreciate how tough dance can be.

Another is people who help other people.

This sticker combines all three--dance, appreciation, and help. In addition, it incorporates a dancer inside "joke." How many times has a teacher told you that you need to "hold your center" or "hold your core" to balance en pointe? I love this sticker's hidden message of "hold your core" in the phrase "It takes guts to dance on your toes."

And best of all, the purchase of this sticker benefits a dancer's tuition and dance-related expenses.

So, what are you waiting for? Hop over to buy it here.
Keep on dancing!