Dear Katie: How Do I Get Over the Box of My Pointe Shoes?

In our “Dear Katie” series, former NYCB soloist Kathryn Morgan answers your pressing dance questions. Have something you want to ask Katie? Email [email protected] for a chance to be featured!

Dear Katie,

I just started pointe, and I’m having a hard time getting up and over the boxes of my shoes. It’s not so bad at barre, but in the
center, I really struggle. Do you have any tips?

Aimee

Dear Aimee,

There are a few possible explanations for your problem. The first lies in your shoes themselves—specifically, your vamp height. Many dancers like the look of vamps that come halfway up their feet, but your vamp should actually stop just an inch or two above your toes. A too-high vamp will inevitably push you backwards, no matter how hard you try to get over your box.

Technique issues could also be holding you back (literally). How is your barre work going? Are you depending on the barre to do the work for you, leaning on it to get up to pointe? If so, you aren’t developing the muscles that will support you correctly. Focus on lifting up and out of your shoes during every exercise, rather than sitting in the shanks. Pull up your quads and lengthen your knees. And make sure you’re not leaning back! Many dancers don’t realize that their shoulders are behind their hips when they rise to pointe. Always imagine your upper body lifting up and forward.

For more of Katie’s helpful tips and advice, click here.