🩰 Pointe Shoe Fundamentals
Everything you need to know about pointe shoes—before they become a problem.
Your pointe shoes are one of the most important pieces of equipment you'll ever own. Understanding how they work, how they should fit, and how to care for them can improve your comfort, enhance your performance, and help reduce your risk of injury.
Developed by Lauren Ostrander McArdle, MS, experienced ballet dancer and mental performance coach, Pointe Shoe Fundamentals is a comprehensive on-demand course designed to help dancers make informed decisions about every aspect of dancing on pointe.
Whether you're preparing for your first pair of pointe shoes or looking to refine your current routine, this course gives you the practical knowledge and confidence to care for your feet and get the most from every pair of shoes.
What You'll Learn
Through five in-depth modules, you'll gain a complete understanding of pointe shoe management, including:
✔ Foot and ankle anatomy for dancers
✔ Common pointe-related injuries and how to recognize them early
✔ How to perform your own pointe shoe and foot check-ups
✔ Sewing, preparing, and breaking in your shoes safely
✔ Padding, taping, and foot care strategies for comfort and injury prevention
Each lesson combines practical demonstrations with evidence-informed recommendations that you can immediately apply in the studio.
Who Is This Course For?
Perfect for dancers preparing for pointe work, dancers currently training en pointe, and experienced performers who want to improve comfort, confidence, and shoe longevity. It's also an excellent resource for dance parents and teachers who want to better understand how to support dancers throughout their pointe journey.
Why Take This Course?
The more you understand your pointe shoes, the better you can care for your feet.
Instead of relying on trial and error, you'll learn proven techniques to improve comfort, troubleshoot common challenges, extend the life of your shoes, and dance with greater confidence every time you step onto pointe.
You can revisit the lessons whenever you purchase a new pair of shoes or encounter new challenges throughout your training.
Protect your feet. Build confidence. Dance beautifully on pointe.