The Pointe Book: Shoes, Training & Technique Second Edition (Paperback)

~ (Author), Sarah Schlesinger (Author), David Howard (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This guide provides a thorough examination of the pointe technique and pointe shoes. Dancers tired of their pointe shoes wearing out too quickly benefit from research that illuminates the shoemaking process and tips that show how to best fit, care for, and custom order their shoes. Interviews with ballet stars Martine van Hamel and Darci Kistler reveal their highly evolved but proven methods of caring for pointe shoes. The basics of the pointe technique, different pointe methods, and the history of pointe are discussed. A handy reference on pointe-related injuries and their remedies is included. This new edition offers the latest information on contemporary designs, materials, products, and suppliers. A sampling of pointe technique schools around the country offers an authoritative syllabus for teachers and students alike.

About the Author

Janice Barringer teaches, choreographs, and lectures in the United States, Canada, and China and is a columnist for Pointe. She is a musical consultant for Stepping Tones Records in Los Angeles and has been spotlighted in the PBS Dance in America series. She has been on the faculty of the American Dance Center, Ballet Hispanico, Harkness House, and STEPS. Sarah Schlesinger, former owner of the Capezio Dance Theatre Shops in Maryland and Delaware, has extensive experience in fitting pointe shoes and solving pointe shoe-related problems. She is chair at the graduate musical theater writing program at New York University's Tisch School of Arts. They both live in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Princeton Book Company; 2nd edition (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087127261X
• ISBN-13: 978-0871272614
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #50,045 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

139 of 142 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the most thorough and informative book on pointe!, August 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Pointe Book: Shoes, Training & Technique (Paperback)

When I first learned pointe, I studied at two different dance schools. My instructor at each school gave a short lecture on the foot and pointe dancing in general, and the majority of their presentations came from "The Pointe Book". I quickly went out and bought it and now as a teacher myself, I require my students to get and read "The Pointe Book". I have not found any other work to be as thorough and informative -- who knew that so much was involved in a pair of shoes?! If a student only reads part of the book, I would recommend the chapters on proper pointe shoe fitting and pointe-related injuries. The chapter laying out a sample pointe class has come in handy for some of my beginning work with students and also provides them with exercises to do on their own. My favorite chapter, though, would have to be Conversations on Pointe, which has pointe stories from many well-known dancers. It was great knowing that some of my opinions and experiences are also shared by some of the greats! Janice Barringer and Sarah Schlesinger have done all of us dancers a great favor with "The Pointe Book".

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A remarkable manual and examination of ballet dancing , November 13, 2004

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Now in a new and expanded second edition, The Pointe Book: Shoes, Training, & Technique is a remarkable manual and examination of ballet dancing pointe shoes, and the methodologies used by professionals. Choreographic experts Barringer and Schlesinger apply their years of knowledge and personal experience in the world of fitting and training with pointe shoes to matter-of-factly present how dedicated and athletic individuals achieve remarkable feats of grace and balance. Packed with detail, The Pointe Book is as comprehensive as can be covering everything from different types of shoes to the hazards of learning to walk on one's toes to resources for help with pointe-related injuries and much more. Highly recommended for anyone with a professional or casual interest in the world of ballet.

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this is really helpful, November 9, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Pointe Book: Shoes, Training & Technique (Paperback)

since i have just started pointe this book has really helped me break in my shoes and give me really good excercises to stregthen my ankles. one of the people in this book is my ballet teacher so that is even better. if u have just started pointe or have been on it for a while or even if u dont do pointe this book is really interesting and helpful.