How to Get Stronger Feet for Ballet
Practice your tendus., Strengthen your feet with a Therapy Band., Write the alphabet with your toes.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Practice your tendus.
Stand at the barre in first position.
Slowly, extend your foot to a full point in front of you, massaging the floor with your foot as you go.
Then, starting the movement with your toes, retrace your tendu motion back into first position.Repeat this motion ten times going forward, ten times going sideways and ten times going backwards.
Use your heel to push you forward, let your toes lead on the way back.
When your foot is extended to the front, make sure it is lined up in front of your bellybutton.
The more repetitions you perform, the more your endurance will increase.
As you build up strength and stamina, add more repetitions to your practice time to further increase your endurance. -
Step 2: Strengthen your feet with a Therapy Band.
Therapy Bands can be purchased online or in stores and are a must have for all dancers.
Sit on the floor with your legs extended.
Wrap the band around one of your feet and use your hands to grip the ends of the band.
Hold the band tight to increase resistance and alternate between pointing and flexing your toes.To make the exercise even more beneficial, try doing the exercise while focusing on one part of your foot at a time.
Isolate your ankle and point only with your toes.
Then isolate your toes and point through your ankle. , This is a great exercise for improving ankle strength.
Sit in a chair with one leg outstretched.
Leading with your toes, write the entire alphabet in the air.
Then switch feet and perform the same exercise with your other foot.Make sure to use capital letters, not lowercase.
After you finish the alphabet, try writing your name or even entire sentences. -
Step 3: Write the alphabet with your toes.
Detailed Guide
Stand at the barre in first position.
Slowly, extend your foot to a full point in front of you, massaging the floor with your foot as you go.
Then, starting the movement with your toes, retrace your tendu motion back into first position.Repeat this motion ten times going forward, ten times going sideways and ten times going backwards.
Use your heel to push you forward, let your toes lead on the way back.
When your foot is extended to the front, make sure it is lined up in front of your bellybutton.
The more repetitions you perform, the more your endurance will increase.
As you build up strength and stamina, add more repetitions to your practice time to further increase your endurance.
Therapy Bands can be purchased online or in stores and are a must have for all dancers.
Sit on the floor with your legs extended.
Wrap the band around one of your feet and use your hands to grip the ends of the band.
Hold the band tight to increase resistance and alternate between pointing and flexing your toes.To make the exercise even more beneficial, try doing the exercise while focusing on one part of your foot at a time.
Isolate your ankle and point only with your toes.
Then isolate your toes and point through your ankle. , This is a great exercise for improving ankle strength.
Sit in a chair with one leg outstretched.
Leading with your toes, write the entire alphabet in the air.
Then switch feet and perform the same exercise with your other foot.Make sure to use capital letters, not lowercase.
After you finish the alphabet, try writing your name or even entire sentences.
About the Author
Amy Edwards
Enthusiastic about teaching practical skills techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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