Sheri Glandon's Interview
- Q1: What do you think the pros and cons of pointe shoes are?
A1: I have always been “pro” pointe, especially for the advanced dancer and that even if a dancer is not going professional ballet, working on pointe helps teach a dancer to “pull up”, “find their center” and looks great with strengthening and elongating the legs. I have no “cons” regarding dancing on pointe except when a dancer gets older, its harder to continue on pointe since the bones are so tiny and can be injured.
Q2: In your opinion, what impact do pointe shoes have on ballet?
A2: I believe that pointe shoes in ballet are what truly make “ballet” what it is. A person can do choreography on pointe ―to me, it’s much more beautiful and elegant. The posture and presence of a dancer on point to me is better than any other kind of dance. Plus, you can tell a ballet dancer from a regular person just by the way they walk and hold themselves.
Q3: How much pain have you suffered from pointe shoes?
A3: When you just start out, going on pointe is, or can be very painful. One has to remember that you are standing only on the tips of your toes. As you take classes, you build up calluses in certain areas of the foot which eventually hardens to blisters. Once the blisters are callused, no more pain. It may take a few months to a few weeks. Every dancer is different.
Q4: Which brand of pointe shoes do you like most? Why?
A4: I prefer Freed Pointe Shoes. Throughout my many years of ballet, I had tried many kinds, but Freed were the best for me. They allowed me to show off my nice arch but were still strong enough in the box. But if my “box” became too soft, I would bake them in the oven with floor polish for about twenty minutes and this would harden the “box” again. Also, some ballet companies make their dancers wear the same brand of shoes.
Q5: When do you think a student is ready for pointe shoes?
A5: A ballet student is not ready for pointe until she is at least twelve years old. She must also be strong enough (ankles, feet, and legs) to be able to go up on pointe. Strong ankles are very important. Children’s feet and bones are not completely stable and orthopedically connect until the age of twelve. It is important to not allow someone to go on pointe until at least twelve years old, no matter how strong they are or technically correct. If a girl goes on pointe too early, this will cause detrimental problems to their feet when they get older.