Toes Curling en Pointe

Curling toes not only limits your ability to thrive en pointe, but increases blisters and joint pressure. Let us help!

It is the arch’s job to maintain long metatarsals, so arch strengtheners are an important thing to check. Have you done doming exercises, toe swaps, and piano toes since your pre-pointe days? Add this exercise to add challenge and mimic the activation of the foot in a pointe shoe.

Band Curls 

Place your entire foot into a resistance band lying vertically on the floor. Practice using your arch to maintain long toes as you gather the band closer to you. 

Of course, no matter how diligently you practice pre-pointe strengtheners, the little toes can feel like they have a mind of their own. Consider taping the problem toe to its larger neighbor for a few classes. Or place a tiny spacer between the two.

PBT Foot Alignment

For more exercises to condition the feet for pointework, visit our Dancing Feet Digital Guide.