After having foot surgery, the way I approach pointe work, breaking in pointe shoes, and pointe shoe preparation has changed drastically. As an adult ballet dancer returning to pointe, I’m far more intentional — and conservative — about how I modify my shoes. I’m writing this article to share my personal experience, my informed professional opinion, and to give you practical insight into safe pointe shoe modifications, specifically around the question: "Should I cut my shank

When adult ballet dancers want to improve turnout, most of the messages they encounter online sound the same: Stretch more Train harder Add more resistance However, chasing fatigue is not the same thing as training turnout correctly. You can complete a workout that leaves you exhausted and sore for days and still not activate true turnout from the hip. In many cases, dancers end up training the wrong muscles, overstretching already stressed tissues, and reinforcing compensati

A corrective, evidence-informed perspective on strength, technique, and long-term dancer health Weighted ballet exercises are everywhere right now. Ankle weights, resistance bands layered into développé, battement, and extension exercises — all promising faster strength gains, higher legs, and better ballet technique. For many adult ballet dancers, whether beginners, returning dancers, or continuing performers, adding weight can feel like the missing link. Adult dancers opera