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How do ballet dancers stand on their toes? |
by Brian Griffin (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
How would you describe the way a ballerina dances? They are usually very graceful and light on their feet. It almost looks like they float across the dance stage. One of the styles of ballet dancing is called "pointe." That's when ballet dancers stand up on the very tips of their toes.
It's not easy to do, and it takes a lot of practice. The Ballet dancers really are standing on the very tips of their toes. They're able to do it with the help of special pointe shoes. These shoes are designed with a special tip, called a "box," that has a flat bottom and also supports the toes inside of it. Some dancers use extra toe pads for even more support because this style of dancing is difficult!
Ballet dancers shouldn't try to dance on their tip-toes until they get permission from a teacher or doctor. This is because, if pointe dancing is tried when a person is too young or when his or her feet aren't grown enough, it can actually cause damage to the foot. For those of us who aren't ballet dancers, pointe dancing is best left to the professionals.
Everybody Dance Now
You may not be a ballerina, but think about the dances that you do know. Do you know the Chicken Dance? What about the Hokey Pokey?
Put on some music and do those dances that you know. Maybe you can even make up some new steps and teach them to your friends and family!
It's not easy to do, and it takes a lot of practice. The Ballet dancers really are standing on the very tips of their toes. They're able to do it with the help of special pointe shoes. These shoes are designed with a special tip, called a "box," that has a flat bottom and also supports the toes inside of it. Some dancers use extra toe pads for even more support because this style of dancing is difficult!
Ballet dancers shouldn't try to dance on their tip-toes until they get permission from a teacher or doctor. This is because, if pointe dancing is tried when a person is too young or when his or her feet aren't grown enough, it can actually cause damage to the foot. For those of us who aren't ballet dancers, pointe dancing is best left to the professionals.
Everybody Dance Now
You may not be a ballerina, but think about the dances that you do know. Do you know the Chicken Dance? What about the Hokey Pokey?
Put on some music and do those dances that you know. Maybe you can even make up some new steps and teach them to your friends and family!
