A consice evalution of pointe work and how this relates to ballet today.

... Pointe work Pointe work is the ultimate achievement for a female dancer, as it brings a further dimension to classical work. I will look at the positioning of the body and the feet when using pointe shoes. * When rising en pointe the weight is held over the tip of the big toe, second toe and middle toe, dependant on the shape of the feet. * The position en pointe produces a straight line through the tibia, ankle, metatarsals and toes. The central line of balance over the tips of the toes creates an extension of the dancers' line through the leg and the foot. * The position of the spine is central to the balance and essential to the control of the position en pointe. * The base of support is very small, therefore pointe demands particular attention to the control of the spine, pelvis and turnout and to lift

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