Going En Pointe

Yesterday was a big day for Courtney. In the spring, Courtney's ballet teacher invited her to go en pointe. Throughout the summer, we weren't sure if the schedule was going to gel with her other dance classes, her school activities, etc., but when all was said and done, the studio got it worked out that the classes would be on Saturday so she could be in the class. Going en pointe is quite a big deal and it is something they only do when they have proper technique, good ankle/arch strength and ready to grow as a dancer. Since 12 is the earliest they have kids learn pointe, she is quite honored to be considered ready to learn this new skill.

Courtney's teacher met up with us at the Leotard in Lloyd Center so that we could fit different shoes and see what would work best for her first few months of pointe. We were told blisters and calluses will be par for the course, but it will be an adventure that Courtney is excited to try out.

Here are some pictures from the fitting. Her teacher, Mr. Casey (in the green shirt), is shown in a couple of the pictures:


























And here are a couple from today trying them out a bit. (Although she is not supposed to try them out too much since her teacher doesn't want her breaking them in quite yet. The picture of her foot en pointe is only one foot that she has posed that way for me, but eventually she'll be able to stand on both feet without holding on to anything that way. Amazing that you could do that on that tiny little box in the shoe. Ouch!