Balance

Any thing in life requires hard work and dedication. Dancing in pointe shoes requires a bit more, because they have a potential for danger in them. When improperly used, anything from blisters to broken bones can occur. But when used correctly, they become a cultural and artistic icon, a dream to aspire to.

You have to be aware of the different parts of a pointe shoe in order to use them correctly. The elastics have to be tight, the ribbons secure. The box will wear out differently than the shank, and each individual may have different requirements for the vamp and heel. Every foot is unique, and shoes are shaped to the foot.

But there are general elements of correct pointe shoe use. Everyone has to spend time in their shoes. They have to be familiar and pliable. Stiff shoes don't make a happy dancer.

Perhaps the two biggest requirements for correct pointe dancing is strength and flexibility. If these are missing, it is simply not safe to dance en pointe. That's why pointe work doesn't begin until the dancer's feet are fully prepared. If strength is missing, the dancer simply cannot get up on the platform on their shoes. Flexibility contributes to this also. If the foot is not flexible enough, the same occurs. And dancing on the edge is dangerous.

Flexibility and strength are important in life also. Things rarely go how we plan. You have to be flexible enough to adapt to your new circumstances, while strong enough to maintain a hold on your values, goals and identity. It's a difficult balance to find. But no more difficult to find the platform, right? Probably 2-3 inches to stand on. For extended periods of time. That can't possibly be more difficult than things we encounter in life. It just takes practice. No dancer can dance like a prima ballerina the first time they wear pointe shoes. Or even after a few years. It takes a lifetime to find this balance.

Earlier this week I got permission from my mission president to take my pointe shoes on my mission. I leave in eight days for the MTC. That is going to be the biggest change of my life. I have to work to find my balance in a new place. But I'll have my pointe shoes with me to remind me to find the pointe, the place where I can balance.