Arts >> Dance >> Ballet

How to Stand on Your Toes As in Ballet?

Standing on your toes in ballet is not one of the easier pursuits to undertake. It takes endurance, strength and persistence to accomplish such a feat. Leg, ankle, foot muscles and even the achilles tendon need to be strengthened to properly perform this maneuver. Having good balance and wearing the appropriate ballet shoes will aid in developing the technique needed to stand on your toes. Performing certain ballet moves like releves, plies and piques will also help develop the ability to stand on your toes. This maneuver is challenging, but the skill can be developed.

Things You'll Need

  • ballet shoes
  • ankle weights
  • chair
Show More

Instructions

  1. Standing on your Toes

    • 1

      Buy appropriate ballet shoes that are fit-forming to your feet. Break the shoes in by bending them back and forth. Soften the toe area of the shoes by beating them on the floor, moistening them with water and wearing them so that they will conform to one's individual foot.

    • 2

      Strengthen ankles by using ankle weights when walking around and using them while doing calf raises. Stand with the balls of your feet on a step and raise up and down 20 to 25 times, repeating this calf raise exercise as much as needed to begin building up lower leg muscles.

    • 3

      Build up your lower leg muscles by doing bar or chair exercises that strengthen the foot, ankle and the achilles tendon. Performing plies, releves, and ankle circles clockwise and counter clockwise will also help develop those muscles.

    • 4

      Move away from the chair or bar and execute across the floor moves such as turns on point, piques and small jumps to further strengthen ankle and calf muscles.

    • 5

      Practice standing on your toes in the middle of a floor without the bar or a chair to help you balance. Extend your time on your toes by taking breaks between practicing standing on your toes. Also try to stay upright for longer periods at a time.

Ballet

Related Categories