Meev ([info]bijou_de_couron) wrote in [info]__ballerinas,
@ 2008-06-17 14:24:00
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deshanking pointe shoes
What exactly does deshanking a pointe shoe do? It's my understanding that the shank supports the arch thus if you take the shank out the dancer is more prone to injury.

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[info]vaudeville
2008-06-17 09:39 pm UTC (link)
At my old dance studio, girls had to dance on deshanked shoes (we called it demi-pointe) for like a year before actually being moved on to point. they only used them at the barre, they were rarely allowed to dance in the center on demi-pointe. it made the girls very strong and prepared to go en pointe, and got them used to working in pointe shoes. it was very good preparation, i think!

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[info]lucymoose
2008-06-17 10:15 pm UTC (link)
I second the practice aspect. It helps keep your foot used to the general feel of pointe shoes without actually going en pointe. Some people prefer them over regular soft shoes.

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[info]makefishcakes
2008-06-17 10:38 pm UTC (link)
I used to use de-shanked pointes in place of soft slippers. I don't do it anymore because canvas slippers are just easier to use. It strengthens the feet quite a bit though.

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[info]radblaqk
2008-06-17 11:59 pm UTC (link)
Yep, deshanking the pointe shoes make them demi-pointe shoes. Demi-pointe (or soft-pointes) are a requirement for the RAD vocational grades from Intermediate onwards. Usually, the shoess are deshanked when the pointe shoes become to worn out and soft for going en-pointe.
(:

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[info]joee_girl
2008-06-18 12:02 am UTC (link)
Ditto for Cecchetti Adv 1 onwards.

It is harder to turn and balance on demi-pointes, so they help make you a stronger dancer.

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[info]miss_magdelene
2008-06-18 03:45 am UTC (link)
I was on a Leningrad syllabus, so we never had to use demi-pointes. Just make sure NEVER to try to go on pointe in them. ever.

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[info]echolittle
2008-06-18 04:38 am UTC (link)
I deshanked my old pointes and used them for strength training at the barre while I was first starting out on pointe. And now, after about 2 years not on pointe, I'm using them again to help my feet and ankles get back into the shape of things.

They are very useful and when you go from deshanked to shanked pointes- it makes the work done on pointe feel so much lighter and centered. I recommend deshanking a really soft pointe yourself instead of buying those demi-pointes. It's also a gratifing experience for any ballerina.hehe.

-JeSS

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