I come from a family that respected the arts, but my mother wasn't sure if dancing could be a career. 

I decided at a relatively late age that I wanted to be a ballerina and in this lesson I explain what it took to achieve my dreams and how healthy competition can be a great motivator.

There are so many options when it comes to selecting the best pointe shoes for you.  

I give an overview of various brands and explain how I ended up choosing my shoes after years and years of searching and what you should look for when making your choices.

I go in depth about how I prepare my pointe shoes. I'll show you the tools I use, how to order shoes specifically for your needs, and how to prepare your shoes to be long-lasting and stable.

From elastics and ribbons, to how to customize shoes for slippery stages, I'll walk you through how your shoes become not just something you wear on your feet, but beautiful extensions of your lines.

And what about your feet inside your shoes? Dancers must face demanding hours on pointe.

I'll show you how I take care of my feet and shoes for a long day of rehearsals or performances and also how to make your shoes last from one amazing performance to another.

To excel as a ballerina, it is imperative to have strong pointe work. 

I will demonstrate some exercises that have been crucial for me and that give you the edge you need on stage.