Pointe Shoes

Something absolutely terrifying (at least for me) is doing a Pointe solo on stage. So many things can go wrong. The stage could be slick. The music could glitch. Costume malfunction. I don't have control over those. Or the problem could all be my fault. I might fall out of my turns. Maybe my ribbons will come loose. Or I could fail to get up on my pointe. 

Getting up on my pointe is complex. Sometimes the movement is slow and controlled, other times swift and powerful. But regardless of speed, the technique required is the same. It involves rolling through my foot up onto my toes, passing through demi-pointe every time. Other movements involve stepping directly onto my pointe, requiring immediate balance and strength. Standing on my toes for long periods of time requires determination and focus.

And sometimes the amount of focus I have doesn't matter. My muscles can give out at random moments, spasming or just not having the strength to hold my body weight. Pointe shoes also break down over time. The glue softens, fabric tears and ribbons fray. And eventually the shoe loses all integrity and is not longer in a condition to dance in without breaking your ankle. 

Life is like dancing in pointe shoes on stage. We could slip, trip, fall or stumble. Our music might not be there when we need it. Our stage may not be ideal conditions for our best performance. Our strength may fail, our muscles give out, our bones fracture. Our shoes may let us down from time to time. But through it all, we dance. Beauty is created, inner strength and endurance is found, and we do what we love. 

If life is like dancing on stage, we as individuals can also be compared to pointe shoes themselves. As children of our Heavenly Father, we are designed in his image, in a specific pattern and style. We are designed to survive the trials of the world. Pointe shoes are created to hold the entire body weight of the dancer, as well and support and preserve the structure of the foot.

No two pointe shoes are exactly the same either. While brands create similarities, each shoe is handcrafted and may have any number of unique characteristics. Shoes may differ even further. They can be decorated, written on, and colored. The shoes can reflect the personality of the dancer, or the character they play in a performance. Pointe shoes are so much more that a tool for dancing. They become a dancer's best friend. 

I'm sure in time I can find more ways my life experiences relate to dance. But whatever the experience, dance will help me to find the meaning. To find the pointe, if you will. In life we must search for the ways to overcome our challenges and recover from mistakes and slip ups. Dance is not the only aid though. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is our constant companion, our guide and helper. Life needs direction, and it helps us find the pointe.