Going Over The Pointe? All About Hyperextension!

11 july 2019, 12:14 4162

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This means that this greatly designed nice curve will make the knees and feet to snap back and the pelvis to go out and this happens because of the very flexible muscles that the current strength cannot support. We were surprised when we heard of dancers with hyperextension in other joints, like elbows, wrists and hips, but not in the feet. However, as we specialize in pointe shoes, here we examine the feet hyperextension and how a fitter could help you manage this matter.

Despite of the following "pointe shoe fitting" tips, the factor of strengthening the feet muscles in order to handle the issue, is demanded. The stunning ballet teacher, Sarah Arnold, explains the whole issue and gives possible solutions concerning the right execution of the exercises in the below links:

https://theaccidentalartist.me/hyperextension-exercises/

https://theaccidentalartist.me/tips-for-hyperextension/

By strengthening the feet muscles, a "banana feet" dancer will no more press back or roll into his/her joints, but he/she will gain the support demanded so as to no more go over the pointe, but to maintain lovely straight lines.

Which is the best pointe shoe model option for hyperextension?

The first thought may be to choose a Hard or a Super Hard shank model to keep you supported. WRONG! As hyperextension is a natural condition of the very flexible body, the feet will continue to make that curve, so a hard shank will only create a gap between the feet and the shoe. Whereas a Medium and pliable shank (f.e. shank FM by Russian Pointe, ProFlex model by Grishko, Soft shank by Gaynor Mindens, model Eurostretch by Bloch, etc) will help the foot not to come off of the sole. Another significant part, the box of the shoe, don't need to be very long, as you won't be able to come back.

And what if you already have bought another type of pointe shoe model?

DIY customizations should always be on our mind!!

Let's see some ideas:

1. The more elastics you will sew, the better will be for your feet support! A thick elastic ribbon will resist when the "banana" feet tries to go over the pointe.

2. Also, there are dancers that sew elastics even over the vamp of the box, too, to gain more support.

3. Last but not least, "breaking in" the sole of your pointes will also help a lot! You can break the sole in three different parts depending on your feet:

                                                  a) Demi pointe area.
                                                  b) Arch area.
                                                  c) Heel area.
!A break-in in the 3/4 of the sole forces the lower part of the sole to become the axis of stability when en pointe!

Learn more about "Knuckling" and "Sickling" and find out which pointe shoe model fits you best!

Golden Tip: One of the many reasons to be in love with Siberian Swan pointe shoes is that they already have the technology of a "broken" heel area, so it stays high while getting some rest.