How do you get ballerinas feet?

Answer 1

Ballerinas feet are developed over many years. It is a combination of strength and flexibility that create dancers feet. Both strength and flexibility need to be gained slowly, particularly the flexibility aspect. As the foot has limited flexibility due to the ammount of bones in the area to increase flexion (pointing) and dorsiflexion (bendin ie plie) often injuries can occur when pushing the feet further than what the individual was born with. Strength on the other hand is easier to obtain, using a theroband (talk to your physio about this). The strength is needed under the feet (sole) this area is known as the intrinsic muscles. When pointing the feet, to prevent injury, using the intrinsic muscles intead of the calves to point is important.

Great strength in the muscles in the foot (as well as the legs) need to be devloped through very strenuous training. But such is not enough. Paticularly, dead skin, caluses need to be developed on the soles of the feet. As insulation, protection. To protect the foot (and the rest of the body) from the harshly uncomfortable conditions of the pointe shoe.

Ballerinas also go 'up' on point. This is requires extreme strength and the acquired flexibility gained over 4-5 years. Generally ballerinas begin strengthing their feet about from about 5yrs old.