The only book of its kind, rewritten throughout, takes the mystery out of a confusing field. Dancers and students quickly benefit from the most current research - offering the latest information on hundreds of shoe designs, products and suppliers. The fundamentals of buying, preparing, and wearing pointe shoes are presented, including a detailed list of the many possible characteristics of each shoe. In discussing pointe shoe readiness, we present an array of contemporary views about when students should go on pointe - then, the way major ballet schools integrate pointe work into their classes, with in-depth opinions from David Howard, Suki Schorer and Steven Wistrich, among others. We take an intensive look at pointe-related injuries to the foot and ankle, their remedies, therapies, and exercises and medical and therapy providers. An understanding of the relationship between a ballerina and her shoes is gained by listening to the greatest dancers - like Paloma Herrera, Jenifer Ringer, Gillian Murphy and Evelyn Cisneros - talk about how they found the perfect fit and the joy of dancing on pointe.
Industry Reviews
"""This book is especially recommended for ballet students, but will also appeal to those who are interested in the art form and fascinated by the seeming ease that the ballerina brings to working on pointe." "--Choice Magazine" "A must read for those who teach pointe work." "--Dance Teacher Now" "[This book] addresses nearly every question that you could think to ask about pointe shoes." " --Dance Magazine" "Detailing the shoemaking process, the comprehensive guide profiles major shoe manufacturers and the fundamentals of fitting, purchasing, and preparing pointe shoes. Interviews with leading dancers. choreographers, shoe fitterts, and medical professionals help demystify the mechanics of pointe dancing. This unusual resource is a fascinating yet essential tool for professional dancers, students, teachers, and ballerinas." "--Booklist" "An exceptionally worthwhile text for those caring for the health of professional dancers and for any dance student on pointe. Useful for parents, teachers, as well as dance enthusiasts." --Gigi Beradi, Western Washington State College, "The Journal of Dance Medicine and Science" "This remains the only book of its kind to focus exclusively on pointe shoes and techniques. A 'must' for any serious ballet teacher." "Library Bookwatch"" Detailing the shoemaking process, the comprehensive guide profiles major shoe manufacturers and the fundamentals of fitting, purchasing, and preparing pointe shoes. Interviews with leading dancers. choreographers, shoe fitterts, and medical professionals help demystify the mechanics of pointe dancing. This unusual resource is a fascinating yet essential tool for professional dancers, students, teachers, and ballerinas. "Booklist"" [This book] addresses nearly every question that you could think to ask about pointe shoes. "Dance Magazine"" A must read for those who teach pointe work. "Dance Teacher Now"" " "This book is especially recommended for ballet students, but will also appeal to those who are interested in the art form and fascinated by the seeming ease that the ballerina brings to working on pointe. "Choice Magazine"" An exceptionally worthwhile text for those caring for the health of professional dancers and for any dance student on pointe. Useful for parents, teachers, as well as dance enthusiasts. Gigi Beradi, Western Washington State College, "The Journal of Dance Medicine and Science""
