A poor mans Ballet bar

Hello My friends ,

The next step in getting to the exercises Nora gave me . I did not have enough money to send to a company for a ballet bar . So, I drafted one !

went down to the local hardware store . Now mine is on a 2x4 with three outward braces . Now 2x4 today are about two inches high. I needed a height of 44 inches . Here what you are going to need to build one

I made mine out of 3/4 galvanised pipe.

Two 3/4 by 24 inch sections

Two 90 degree elbows

Three 3/4 flange

One 3/4 T coupler

Three 3/4 by 10 inch sections

Three 3/4 couplers

Three 3/4 by 30 inch sections

If you want to make it like the picture above

Your going to needed Three 3/4 T's

With 6 more sections of pipe

Ok building time

Take one 90 degree elbow and put a 24 inch section followed by a T then another 24 inch section Followed by a 90 .That is the top section The legs are the following The 10 inch sections

The a coupler followed by a 30 inch section On mine the legs are screwed into a 3/4 flange.

If you want to make it to the picture the feet go a 3/4 T followed by a pipe section on each side .

That all there is to it . I made mine for about 50.00 US

Two Pink Shoes

I knew my entering the world of pointe work .Was a long process . The lady that has given me a chance . Is Nora from the Ballet Center in Old Bethpage NY. A really dear a sweet woman to meet. When I introduced myself she was a bit taken . Sort of like my first intro to one of my dearest friends. When She had gotten over the shock . Then understood I had gotten a pair of pointes. From Pirouette and how she had fitted me .She wanted to see me with them. Today at 3:30 pm was the appointed time . I arrived early just to give a good impression .

There is no fooling a pro! In all reality I was not going to try. I lost a lot of knowledge after my stroke . So it is fair to say I am again a Ballet new born. She told me that most dancers Marked there shoes left of right after there broken in . Me I just started them that way. Nora looked at the shoes and the pads .Also she looked at the way I attached the elastic and ribbons. Before she let me put them on my feet . I really admire her for her carefulness. She asked me to go to the bar. Put my feet into first position . Then roll onto pointe . The minute I did . She said ,you need to learn more about ballet! See ya can not fool a pro! I was not getting over the box properly. So, She gave me three exercises to do .

One was the first position to a plie to a roll then roll down.

Second was a modified Battement tendu . The modification was at the end where the foot points. At that point I was to flex the foot upward then back down and ,go to the next part of the movement.

The third is a well To me look like a sideways runner stretch. You start out in first roll onto pointe and push one foot over the box then roll back down . I don't know what it is call yet two times made my left foot look better and my right calf scream.She got annoyed a little .Because I was looking down to see what I was doing wrong. Nora wanted me to have my ears over my shoulders. I don't know why yet she said it makes a difference.

Could any one tell me why it makes a difference?

She said to walk around the house with my shoes on . If I don't want to get them dirty , put some socks over them .

Also to get a ballet bar at 44 inches which is a good height for me . Well looks like I going down to the hardware store and building one.

She said to do them for two weeks and give her a call . I guess to see how I doing ...maybe to give me somemore excerise's to do. I really can not wait!

Well that my blog about my first baby step into pointe

Ever Since I was Little

Since I saw a ballerina dance.I wanted to be a dancer . My mom had other Ideas. She never wanted her son to be in tights. So, my dream of dancing ballet died! In my late teens I took up ballroom to my mom it was a respectable dance. Since my partner was my cousin it was even better .....for her. So I drew dancers and studied books on the subject. When a question on toetap came my way . I was intrigued, I never thought of the journey to would bring me on . I just was curious about it.
The subject seemed to relight my passion for ballet and pointe . I meet people on line who had knowledge and similar view point as myself. Also, they was willing to share there knowledge to educate me .Not only in casting of metal .Also in pointe shoes. I could not have gotten where I am with out them and there support.
I have been losing weight for a few years now. I started at 368 and as of yesterday I am 206. A few weeks ago I was curious . I had a pair of Sansha 202's. They was my X's. So, I tried them on While the width was ok the length was like a half inch too short . They was a 13X shoe size for a 10 street shoe.Which was ok for her. Since, I only wore them as a bed shoe they where ok. Over a week the shoe was producing some red marks on my feet and toes . I had asked a dancer friend if I was allergic to the shoe. She said no if the red marks go away ,over the course of the day. My dear friend said why don't you get fitted for a pair. This idea I dreaded. I had been trying to crack the sizing and pointe shoe code for a few years now .With no real direction or recourse. They was nothing I could not figure out with enough information . I knew my foot was a Greek peasant with a very small morton toe. I join dance sites saw there information on the different types of feet VS shoe types. It is still a blure to me . I finally coincided to my friends advice and went down to a local dance shop . I deal with to get shoes . For dancers who want tap and shoes . Without sending me there shoe's .So, the owner sort of knew me . I told her I wanted to know more about a pointe shoe fitting. After some misunderstanding . She understood that , I was going to buy and most likely put a pair of taps on them. Then scheduled me an appointment for Tuesday the 8th. at 12:15. She wanted to see some toetaps and, some of the pictures of the Tapperinas. I said Ok . We parted with some reservations about the appointed time on both parts. As I was leaving She said, I am thinking of a Sonata. That I think will work for you. I thought SONATA?! I tried to look up the shoe on line for its box size. With no luck. The days dragged on like years. I thought Tuesday would never come . After Monday , I thought I would have to cancel it all together.
I was waiting at a light when another driver decided to meet me with there car ! Into my drivers door!. I am in great back pain from the impact. Once I make up my mind I really don't change it. Unless someone has a really good point.
Tuesday cometh : As the time approached I became really nervous. Yet , I was not going to show her. I was not serious about this lesson. I showed up at the dance shop . (Pirouette 51 Green Street Huntington NY)At a good time no one in the shop. The little voice inside me went YAE!. She looked at me and said ok .Your here for a fitting. Come back to the stage . Before you go on the stage take off your shoes. Ahh shit! I have men's feet and ,been walking all morning . They really smell. Oh why didn't I wash them before coming here . I made sure . I ask her and the socks ? She replied Yup! Oh damn it . I took them off and hope the smell would dissipate before she got back. She came out of the office . Then sort of pointed .Ok over there . Over there was a wooden stool with a red velvet seat cover. It looked kinda nice. I did, still hoping she would not notice .My now less smelly feet. She sat down upon a shoe salesman stool . Asked me to roll up my pants and , raise my foot and, with the speed of a bull roper. She put on and quickly tied a knot in the back of each nylon . I don't know foot sock for a lack of a better term. She did not ask my foot size just looked at them. Said you really don't have a big foot . Then went into the stock room . Before she came out. She asked are you going to toetap with socks on. I said "if I am going to do this ...no. Do you need pads...Mmmm if I am going to do this ahh yes.Came back with a box with a set of toepads and two shoe box's. took out a pair . Broke the back and the box a little and put them on. Ask me to put the platform on the floor and felt the material at the heel. Then went down in size to the next one . Then repeated the procedure with that shoe. Then went in the back for another. When I tried on that one and put the platform on the floor . She was satisfied (Satisfied was when there was a finger worth of material when pointed)to move on to the next part. She asked me to move over to the mirror. Then stand in first position. I was so nervous .I forgot what first position was. She showed me with her hands . I ask ,what I should be feeling . She said , You should be feeling your toes tight and not able to freely wiggle around.If that is happening that is a no no! Also, You should feel your toes sung against the platform and, not compressed(Knuckling). Then she asked me to plie`.Do you feel anything ?. I replied besides my calf muscles screaming. She replied (with holding a smile back) yes. I said no. With a ok, she ask me to step back and roll on to pointe. Which I did, almost perfectly. I really need to work on getting my feet and ankle to stretch out to a full 90 degrees.
I asked why she choose a Sonata? She replied " The Sonata has a wide box and does not have long wings .Also, it does not have a high vamp . So, when you go on to pointe your not fighting the shoe. You don't need a high vamp also,because you don't have a high arch.Also ,you have a very insignificant morton toe. So, in the Sonata's you should not feel it. Wow! To get all that just by looking at someones feet. She knows feet and shoes like I know toetaps! I told her if I was going to the next step I would need a teacher. I damn sure not going to self teach pointe work. I got back on my sock and shoes. Payed for the dance Items. We talked about toetap .Showed her some pictures and some taps. She said If I make a flyer .She would put it up in the shop to advertise my toetaps . I must say she is a very kind and good soled person . Made me feel very calm and important. Then she told me about a possible teacher . Wrote down her address .Then handed it to me on her business card. Before I left. I said, I thought you was going to choose a shoe like the Elan for its wide box. She Just shook her head no . Not a shoe for you.I learned a lot from her . One thing is for sure a fitting is like ballet to get it right. You need to get it from someone who knows! Oh yea the shoe size came out to be a Bloch 7 E. Who woulda thought?

Answer to a friend

When you told me that the cramping was the spasming type .I thought of the Nutritionist advice, and here it is.

Sudden spamming in the leg can be caused by:
1) Dehydration
2) Lack of Potassium
3) Lack of Magnesium
Information on Potassium
Overview:
Potassium is a very important mineral for the proper function of all cells,
tissues, and organs in the human body. It is also an electrolyte, a substance
that conducts electricity in the body, along with sodium, chloride, calcium, and
magnesium. Potassium is crucial to heart function and plays a key role in
skeletal and smooth muscle contraction, making it important for normal digestive
and muscular function, too. Many foods contain potassium, including all meats,
some types of fish (such as salmon, cod, and flounder), and many fruits,
vegetables, and legumes. Dairy products are also good sources of potassium.

Information on Magnesium

Every organ in the body -- especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys -- needs
the mineral magnesium. It also contributes to the makeup of teeth and bones.
Most important, it activates enzymes, contributes to energy production, and
helps regulate calcium levels as well as copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin D, and
other important nutrients in the body.

You can get magnesium from many foods. However, most people in the United States
probably do not get as much magnesium as they should from their diet. Foods rich
in magnesium include whole grains, nuts, and green vegetables. Green leafy
vegetables are particularly good sources of magnesium.

Food that contain Potassium
Food sources

the richest sources of potassium are fruits and vegetables. A dietary survey in
the U.S. indicated that the average dietary potassium intake is about 2,300
mg/day for adult women and 3,100 mg/day for adult men (30). The potassium
content of some relatively potassium-rich foods is listed in milligrams (mg) in
the table below (36). For more information on the nutrient content of foods,
search the USDA food composition database.

Food Serving Potassium (mg)
Banana 1 medium 422
Potato, baked with skin 1 medium 926
Prune juice 6 fluid ounces 528
Plums, dried (prunes) 1/2 cup 637
Orange juice 6 fluid ounces 372
Orange 1 medium 237
Tomato juice 6 fluid ounces 417
Tomato 1 medium 292
Raisins 1/2 cup 598
Raisin bran cereal 1 cup 362
Artichoke, cooked 1 medium 343
Lima beans, cooked 1/2 cup 485
Acorn squash, cooked 1/2 cup (cubes) 448
Spinach, cooked 1/2 cup 420
Sunflower seeds 1 ounce 241
Almonds 1 ounce 200
Molasses 1 tablespoon 293



List of food that has magnesium
List Of Food Sources Of Magnesium
Artichoke
Barley
Beet greens
Black beans
Brazil nuts
Broad beans
Broccoli
Brown rice
Buckwheat flour
Bulgur
Cowpeas
Halibut
Kidney beans
Lima beans
Milk
Navy beans
Oat bran
Okra
Oysters
Peanuts
Plantain
Pumpkin seeds
Rockfish
Scallop
Soy milk
Soybeans
Spinach
Squash seeds
Sweet potato
Tofu
White beans
Whole grain cereal
Whole wheat bread
Whole-grain cornmeal
Yogurt
Ok..So, here's the deal try 30 minutes before you toetap eat about a 1oz of peanuts
and about half a banana with some water . If you don't wish to do it this way
try a mid morning snack of peanuts and 30 minutes before tapping eat a small
banana with some water. It is still quite filling and, still will get the
minerals in your body that you need!

If you have this problem this should solve it.
Hope this helps

Toetap and the calf muscle

A good friend of mine has a repeating calf muscle problem .She most likely has not see someone to fully deal with the problem. So, I am going to give her a few ideas to try and help her.
Since toetap or pointe/tap have the similar calf issues as clogging,pointe. Also share some of the same injury's as high heels or pointe boots. I am going to share a few calf issues.

This one from Answerbag goes like this :
Calf muscle injury's acour in either the gastrocnemius or the soleus muscle.The gastrocnemius is the large ,more obvious calf directly below the knee. The soleus lies directly below it and,is attached to the Achillies tendon. The most calf injury's are caused by overuse durning activity's such as basketball,footballweightlifting,or dancing.
Significance:
Calf muscle injurys can be serious or disabling as they affect a persons ablitity to walk.
Idenification:
Calf muscle injury are categorized in grades 1,2 or 3 accourding to the Sports injury Clinic.
Grade 1
Are mild strains that cause mild pain and tightness
Grade 2
can cause swelling and brusing as well as pain while walking.
Grade 3
Is the most sever ..such as a torn muscle or ruptured tendon.

Effect

A grade 3 rupture can cause a deformity in the calf as the muscle tendon becomes detached from the Achillies heel and ,bunches up at the top of the leg just below the knee. Someone with this type of injury may not be able to contract his muscle.
Surgical repair is often necessary.

Type of Non Surgical Treatment:
Most calf sprains are pulled muscles that can be treated witha combination of rest,ice,heat and anti-inflammatory medicans such as ibuprofen,aspirin ,naproxen,Etodolac, Tramadol,Cyclobezaprine....they even have a few that will get you down the montain the day before yesterday!Yes ! they can be that strong!
You can also, weara heel pad to lesson the preasure on the two major calf muscles.
Considerations:
Once the intial inflammation is under control .Use heat to increase blood flow to the injuried calf muscle. Heat helps relax the muscle and,get them ready for renewed physical activity. Stretching and strenth building exercises can also help.

Here was another Answer :

The plantaris Muscle is a thin muscle that starts at the knee joint. Which attaches to the Plantaris tendon beginning at the calf.
The Plantaris tendon then elongates down the calf to the foot.Connected to the joints in the foot.
Both the Plantaris muscle and,tendon are prone to injury.Because they are connected to two joints .

This answer came from a clogging site :

Calf tightness can be due to several factors:
1) Are you dehydrated?
You need to ensure that you are drinking enough water to allow the exersing muscle to work.
2) A lot of calf related systoms are due to faulty foot mechanics. Which have existed for many years without a problem. But , now are coming to light.

As a result the calf maybe working too hard to compansate for these mechanic and become excessively tight. but, stretches on there own is not the answer .
See a podiatrist for a gait(I.E. walking,running,dance) analysis and they will be able to explain exactly what is wrong. Do not except stretching as the answer it is not!

Answer from my P.T.

People who do clogging ,pointe ,or toetap share the same calf injury's as a person who wears high heels .
To be sure I would have to see her .
I know for a fact that they have very good P.T. 's where she from .

Recommened books to read :
Preventing Dance Injuries
second edition
by Ruth Solomon
John Solomon and
Sandra Cerny Minton

Dance Anotomy and Kinesiology
by Karen S. Clippinger

Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance
By Ana Bracilovic

Common Dance injury's part Two

In this post I am going to write about two common dance injury's to the foot . That could be avoided by common sense and good foot care.
The first one is plantar fasclitis.
Plantar Fasclitis: Is by definition "is a overuse injury effecting the sole of the foot.

Most common complaint is the foot hurts when I walk barefoot .Especially first thing in the morning.

What happens is the tough ,fibrous band of tissue (fascia). That connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. Becomes inflamed and painful.

For dancer's
Will often experience an increase in pain after class.
or after a long weight bearing activities.

Plantar Fascia pain can also, be influenced by tightness in the calf,
or the Achilles Tendon ,
or dancing on a hard surface or a non-sprung floor

The Treatment
The earlier this is detected the quicker it is done with.
Rest and Ice are the first treatment for this
Anti-inflamatory medican is helpful
If this condition continues seek a PT's help or
a Athletic training treatment is a good idea
If this becomes a Chronic people responed well to a overnight splint
of course issued by a doctor

The next one I want to talk about is a conidition know as Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia:

Most common complaint is pain over the balls of the feet

What is this condition?
Metatarsalgia is pain and tenderness along the ball of the foot. For dancers, this is commonly caused by unstable joints in the smaller toes.

How did it happen?
Repeated sprains and overstreached ligaments can lead to laxity, or a increased flexibility in theses joints.
What is ligament laxity?
Is defined as simply as loose ligaments. Wikipedia defines it as a condition know as
Ligamentous laxity Which is "in a normal body the ligaments connect bones and allow a normal range of motion. With laxed ligaments the range is increased . A examble would be double jointed elbow or knee
In a Dancer years of overworkand forcing extreme motion in the foot can increse laxity.
Also may cause subluxation of theses joints
Subluxation is definded as a partial dislocation

Treatment:
Rest and Ice since this is a inflamatory condition
Strengthening the muscles that control toe flexion
How?
can be done with towel scrunches.
Place a towel on the ground..then use your toes to grab it while drawing it towards you.
A PT will most likely use a metatarsal pad placed just behind the balls of the feet can help prevent subluxation.
it also, may help relive the pain

Common dancers injurys

Mmmm While I don't blog much . When I do, the subject is very important to me to relate.
In toetap many of the common dance injury's are the same as in tap and in pointe . Now with that said , One of my biggest pet peeves is not eating correctly. With out strong bones toetap or pointe/tap is a dancers worst nightmare. So, before I get into theses few injury's . I must stress get a proper diet, warm up before class and, proper stretching before the main dance class begins.
Ok lets get into it then:
The first I want to talk about is .
Dancer's Fracture:
The most common complaint is "I landed badly and now it hurts to walk"
The most common fracture is along the 5th metatarsal. This is the long bone on the outside of the foot .Since my taps can be used in both tapping en point and flat tapping This is a possible injury that might happen . Since a ballet dancer can get this ,while landing from a jump in a inverted(turned in )foot

If this occurs the dancer may or may not be able to walk. He or she will fell immediate pain and swelling.

Treatment: First lets be real most dancers will say they don't feel pain ...bulls**t. They just ignore it! ok.. The treatment typically consists of ice, elevation,and limiting weight bearing activities. THAT MEANS NO DANCING!!!!
Consulting with a doctor to confirm a fracture and how bad. Is necessary! Sorry, not giving you a choice.
A dancer's fracture WILL require a period of immobilization. While the injury heals. Yes more than a day! I know cry me a river..... Please let the body heal properly before doing any dancing!
Rehabilitation should follow to rebuild the foot and ankle . I prefer with a dance physiotherapist
or a sports and dance rehab.

Next one I want to talk about is

Sesamoiditis:

What is a Sesamoid bone? Good question.. The Sesamoiditis bone are unique in that they are not connected to any other bones in the body. They are about the size of a kernel of corn. They are two bones on the underside of the foot near the big toe. There function is to provide a smooth surface over which the tendons controlling the big toe are located.
If injuried the dancer will feel it while walking bear footed.
Cause: The sesamoids provide a support surface while the dancer is on demi-pointe.
The tendon that runs between the sesamoids can become inflamed,causing sesamoiditis,a form of tendinitis. The area of pain will be under the big toe on the ball of the foot.

Treatment:
The dancer may be required to REST! ....and to take time off from rehearsals .While the pain and inflammation from this decreases.
Consult with a doctor to rule out a Sesamoid fracture
Go to a physical therapist or athletic trainer to ID and correct muscle imbalances.Also, to assist with acute symptom relief.
The use of a J-shaped pad around the area to relive pressure may help
Taping the big toe slightly downward(platarflexed) also,may help.
It may take up to seven months to completely heal from this type of injury .
Surgical Intervention:
To remove theses two bone should only be considered after all conservative avenues have been exhausted.

The next on is a pretty big one so it will be my last one for now .

This one can be gotten by dancers ,also, can be gotten by people who start to dance latter on in life .
Most common complaint is " I have pain with a full releve"
Hallux Rigidus (or Limitus):
This condition is known by pain or restriction of movement at the joint of the big toe.

Cause:
When a person wants to achieve a full demi-pointe . The metatarsal phalangeal joint must be able to make a 90 degree angle.
A person who want to be or a dancer who start late in life may lack this much mobility.
A person or dancer with out metatarsal phalangeal mobility,that forces the foot to go to a full 90 demi-pointe. Will cause the bones (in the joint) to impinge on each other . If this is done repeatedly (over time ) bone spures will develop .Which will lead to further lack of joint mobility,inflammation and eventual degeneration of the joint.

Compensation:
lack of full mobility which includes Sickling. This position sickling in a half demi-pointe decrease the impingement.But, is not an esthetically acceptable line . It also, puts the dancer at risk for a ankle sprain.
The only acceptable and safe compensation for this condition is a half demi-pointe position. The dancer must learn to rise onto the ball of the foot without forcing his or her foot into a full demi-pointe.

Treatment:
During the more acute times , rest and ICE are very helpful way to reduce the pain and inflammation.
Ice massage the injury for five minutes
Stretching the foot....can be done only to improve flexibility
Two condition to this are
one the stretch is done only in your pain free range
two it is done in a non weight bearing position
Take your leg and cross it over the other while your sitting on a chair. Hold your foot with one hand at your heel and the other holding your toe . then bring them up into a demi-pointe position ( your pain free range) Hold for 30 seconds release

This is also meant to have the dancer assess the available pain free range of the joint. So, that the dancer is able to learn to work within that range.
Taping the big toe
So it can not go into full demi-pointe is helpful
Also, taping the big toe so that it is slightly downward (plantarflexed)
for mobilization of the metatarsal phalangeal joint by an experienced physician is also,quite effective.

Definitions: Plantarflexed... simply means one of the bones ( in this case the big toe)is lower than the other four

Personal comment:
Since I was told I was a diabetic. I have seen all my foot problems ..from verifying a good pulse to Bad athlete's foot problems by a very experienced Podiatrist (foot doctor) . In all problems dealing with the foot or ankle. I would gladly tell any dancer to do the same!

Sansha's TA-11"s

Here are two pictures
the top is the Sansha TA-11 a hybrid shoe .Which is a Sansha fusion pointe shoe with a tap shoe sole and taps on it . The bottom is a regular pointe shoe with toetaps or in modern language pointe/taps .I preferr toetap because the tap are on the box's toe.

Hello I would like to pointe out Some differences.

Between Sansha TA-11's And a Toetap shoe.

Or, the modern name Pointe /Tap shoe.

My friend Ben wrote to the boss of Sansha .Trying to get them to make a traditional Toetap shoe . With many tries .They still kinda missed the mark. This shoe(the TA-11) is what I would call a hybrid shoe .Consisting of a Pointe shoe and a Tap shoe sole .While you can tap on pointe with it .The shoe which has no tap on its boxfront.Which will give you a muffled sound . You can do all the tap moves and pinte work .Just you can not combine them .Into a real toetap production.

Toetapper Like to break the classic form of ballet . Most dancers do pointe /tap or toetap with out realizing it . When they get a new shoe they tap the point to soften it or , so I am told .Toetaper love to hear there shoes make nose, as to say freedom .From being so rigid and repetitiveness.

Since I am the last person to make these taps . I do know about them . I make each tap to the wearer so they can do pointe work without impedance from the tap.I become a expert in this field. A toetap shoe has the tap on it's boxfront . You can do all most any tap move or dance step. Just on pointe .I have made the taps so,you can combine pointe work into each performace.The Pointe /Tap or toetap shoe, I make are a true fusion of these two arts .

Pointe shoe quiz. Can anyone tell me what shoe my taps are on ?

Some toetap steps

When I was talking to the mother of a dancer.

The New tap dancer did not understand all the language of tap .

So , if anyone did not understand Kathleens answer...

it breaksdown like this:She said Hop ,Shuffle, Step ,Toe Grind ,Brush Step.

Lets take them by themselves

Hop: A jump into the air on one foot: With the weight on one foot and the free foot in the air in any direction, flex the knee of the supporting foot; spring into the air and land on the same foot. Shuffle: Are broken down into 6 types Front, back , Side,Double ,leap and Step ;A forward brush followed by a back brush to the front, side or back,executed rapidly in a 16th note rhythm and counted "a 1"

.Front Shuffle:The basic "Shuffle" - with the feet in line with the hips and the toes directly forward, flex the R knee up in front of body -- lower the leg, striking the toe of the foot against the floor in a forward motion. At this point, the L or supporting leg is straight, where in the R ft is straight and extended forward of the body. As you flexthe R knee, strike the toe of the R ft on the floor in a backward motion. The shuffle should be executed slightly forward of supporting foot. The free foot should always remain in front of the supporting leg by flexing the knee forward and up on the back brush.

Side Shuffle:Extend the right foot to the R side, toes are in line and there is no turnout of the R foot.

Back Shuffle:With the weight on the left foot and knee slightly bent, extend the Rft bk with the toe turned out. From this position, execute theshuffle on the side of the big toe.

Double Shuffle:Two Back Shuffles ("8 and a 1").Shuffle, Leap A forward shuffle on the free foot leaping forward to the same foot.Shuffle, Step A shuffle with the free foot, followed by a step on same foot. Once referred to as a "Three".

Toe: This has 9 types they are: Back ,Beat,Click, Dig,Drop,Heel,Stand, Toetap,and ToetipToe Back Same as a Toe Tap: Strike the point of the toe in back of the standing foot and immediately raise the foot from the floor. Does not take weight.Toe Beat Same as a Toe Tap but the toe remains on the floor.

Click Same as Click Toes: With the weight on the heels of bothfeet (toes up) Strike the toes together.

Toe Dig Emphasized step fwd on the toe of the foot with the kneebent; a strut or jazz type movement.

Toe Drop force the toe to the floor Toe-Heel An old term for a Brush R fwd, Dig R toe In reg. tap it's a Brush R fwd, Dig R heel fwd (toe up).

Toe Stand A movement of the old school of tap wherein the dancer is on the points of both feet.

Toe Tap A striking of the point of the toe in any direction andimmediately raising the foot from the floor.

Toe Tip Same as a Toe Tap.

Grind: A circular movement of the hipsBrush: There are 3 types Brush ,Brush Steps and Brush FlatBrush A one-sound kicking movement, in any direction. With the knee in a flexed position, strike the toe of the free foot against the floor, the leg raises in the air until the knee is straight. This applies when the brush is executed in a forward movement. A brush maybe executed in any direction but basically it is forward or backward.

Brush Step A forward Brush Step is the same as a Flap. Whether it isa forward or back brush step, the movement can be executed in any desired rhythm pattern.

Brush Flat A flat brush is executed in exactly the same fashion as a basic brush - the difference is that the entire Toe of the foot strikes the floor in the pendulum movement.

Flap:A forward brush step: With the knee in a flexed position, strike the toe of the free foot against the floor in a forward motion,stepping forward on the same foot; the step takes weight. May be executed in any direction but normally forward.

Step:There are 4 types ,they are Step, Step Chug,Step Brush/Toe Drop,Step PullStep; A placing of the front part of the foot firmly on the floor,taking weight; always executed on the Toe of the foot unless otherwise noted.

Step Chug A stepping forward on the toe or flat of the foot, followed by a Chug which is an exaggerated heel drop. In toetaps case a exaggerated toe drop Step Brush, toe Drop A basic combining of tap movements:A. Measure Count Movement1 1 Step L bk and Brush R bk2 Drop L toe3 Step R bk and Brush L bk4 Drop R toeStep Pull Also known as a Step, Slide: A step and slide back on same foot. The term "Pull" has been used to mean a Back Brush.

Chug:Sometimes referred to as a Buck: A forward movement accentingthe toe drop: With the weight on one foot, the free foot is raised;force the toe of the foot to the floor with exaggeration, thus moving the foot forward approximately 3 inches.All tap definitions where modified for Toetap

Hope this helps

Paul D. Let me know how I did?

Breaking the line of the leg

In this blogI am going to try to explain the difference between the ballet (pointe ) and toetap.They both use the ballerinas pointe shoe the difference is the stance .While en pointe a ballerina has the working leg straight along the body axis,elongating the leg . A ballerina use all the muscles in the lower body and her core to pull her up through the stance of pointe . The general rule for alignment in ballet. Is shoulders over ribs over hips over knees over toes. Everything is completely straight up and down. A ballet dancer use's a turnout for each of the 5 classical ballet positions involves lower extremity motion that occurs primarily through hip external rotation. (see definitions) A ballerina dances on top of the floor trying to feel it .Trying to be silent quite as a mouse.In Toetap the Tapperina or dancer which ever you wish to call yourself. In Toetap the most important thing is to relax. Toetap or Pointe-tap the dancer takes more of a tap dancers stance .The body relaxes using the "the Rad tap technique" The Rad Tap technique is doing for tap (by Rosie Raditor)as the Perfect pointe book is going for ballet (by Lisa Howell)Here is what they said about Rad-tap technique on Dancer Universehttp://danceruniverse.com/stories/issues/200403/rosie-radiator-tap-technique-supershuffle/"In Rad Tap the dancer is able to make fast close to the floor sounds that are heard but not seen," Rosie explains. "A technical approach teaches dancers to feel the small muscle contractions in the upper leg that stimulate and trigger many of the fastest sounds in tap. Isometric isolation's that are natural to your body produce sound through the feet. When this technique is mastered, it is invisible and produces dancers who look like they were born dancing""Tap is such a natural dance form that when you look at it, your body begins to identify with the movement," she says. "It's not like ballet. The lazier and more comfortable you are, the more you can access this pathway. Plus, there's a pleasure endorphin that's released behind the kneecap when the foot is relaxed and the kneecap is gently squeezing." She hesitates. "I'm not sure we should tell the world that. They might make it illegal."( written by - Jeannette Batz Cooperman )With the body and leg relaxed, the knee relaxes and bends slightly breaking the ballerinas line of the leg. This alone will drive a trained ballerina crazy while using a pointe shoe ! With the knee slightly bent the body relies more on the calf and thigh muscles to stabilise you through the movement. If you can't yet, get it the image, think of a tap dancer in a toe loop .Using a regular tap shoe on there shoe tips tapping away. It is the same knee bent body stance except en point . The upper body is like a ballerinas straight. This is a fusion dance .As with any of my posts I want you to remember a pointe shoe is deceptively simple in looks, yet hard to master .Many things can go wrong, if not taught by a teacher .The same thing with tap while doing a toe loop is is a hard thing to do you must have strong ankles and be taught by a teacher . Many things can go wrong.Definitions:Ballet Turnout:Ballet turnout refers to the outward rotation of the legs and feet. There are five basicballet positions of the feet. All ballet movements begin, end, or pass through at least oneof these positions. In all five positions, the knees are straight and the legs rotated outwardfrom the hips (figure 1).In ballet, the generally recognized ideal turnout of 180 degree took several centuries tobecome commonplace. In fact, in the 17th century the standard angle of turnout was only90 degrees. Greater degrees of turnout gradually developed because of their aestheticappeal and the freedom of movement they allowed the turnout leg. By the 18th century,the angle of ideal turnout had reached the present-day standard of 180 degrees.Dancers ideally achieve 180 degrees of turnout by rotating each hip out 70 degrees,rotating the knee out 5 degrees, and rotating the feet out 15 degrees, thereby adding up180 degrees of 2 - legged turnout. Typical ballet dancers have significantly less than 70degrees of outward hip rotation. Studies demonstrate measurements between 40-52degrees of outward rotation. Realistically, few dancers can achieve this angle withoutcompensations else where in the body. These compensations may be allowed and evenencouraged by dance instructors who stress the importance of ideal turnout.Unfortunately, forceful compensation for reduced hip outward rotation can, and oftendoes, lead to many of the injuries seen in dancers.Toetap: is a 1920 name for a dance style of dancing . When the dancer tapped out a series of steps ,while on toe. In today's terms Toe dancing, on toe or toe shoes are frowned upon in the ballet world . In today's terms it is viewed as en pointe or pointe shoes or pointe / tap.Consultation by Selly of http://www.danceoutlook.com/

Toetap History

Before we begin, I want to say toetapping is for both men and women, just as pointe was and is for both men and women. To know toetap we are going to explore some of the events leading up to this fusion style of dance.Toetap is a fusion of Toe Dancing and Tap Dance where the dancer male or female dances on pointe (using ballet pointe shoes with a metal tap on it's platform) tapping out a series of steps to music. I remember as Rosie Raditor said to me "Toe tap has very little to do with ballet and everything to do with tap!" A toetapper uses the same riffs, shuffles, and hops as a normal tap dancer, just does it on pointe. You can even do a coffee grinder. Buck and wing what ever you wish. Even before women dominated the stage, men were the first to go on pointe. In 1779 Gennaro Magri writes about a performance of a dancer who rises to a full pointe and , it is indeed a man. In his Theatrical Treatise of "The Art of Dancing", Margi relates how Antoine Pitrot raised " his whole body on the tip of his toe (extending) all the joints so, perfectly that the whole length and foot itself (fell) into one perpendicular line". It would be several decades before there would be a discussion of a women doing the same feat. (source article Setting the Stage) Ever since Marie Taglioni (1804-1884) raised herself on tip of her toe's ballet had a new style of dance sur les pointes.In 1735 Ballet arrived in America. An Englishman Henry Holt staged the first production for the amusement of the Charleston, South Carolina elite. The production was not well received. Also,in that year according to the Performing Arts timeline.John Hippisley’s Ballet/ Opera (Flora) Is performed in America. It is the first Ballet/ Opera to be presented to the elite of Charleston In truth if it was not for the elite Americans, ballet would not have survived in America. In 1751 the first professional theater company in the colonies.The Virginia Company of Comedians opens a temporary wooden playhouse in Williamsburg. It is important to note. In my opion, that without this group of performers, sewing the seeds of vaudville in America many of the things we hold dear would not have come to pass. It is also important to note that the play opened on October 9th of that year . It was attened by The emperor of the Cherokee Nation, his Empress and their son, the Prince. Also, several of princes warriors.Great men and their Ladies where present at the play.On February 6,1768, a group of players known as the Virginia Company of Comedians appeared in Norfork. Other Theathers were erected in Virginia during theses years.Among them the Theatre of Varieties in Richmond, introducing vaudville. http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/VAGuide/theater.html Like all dances toetap needs a base to work from. While ballet was on a respirator, a storm was brewing. This storm started small with a man called "Master Juba", a young African-American performer named William Henry Lanes donned rags, covered his face with burnt cork, and danced a foot stomping, hand clapping ditty called "Juba". One awestruck critic marveling at Lanes's ability to maneuver his legs and feet in a series of steps with such speed and energy decided this performance reflected the dance style of an entire people, which was later labeled "Negro Dance" (Source Tap History "Juba"). This type of Minstrel Show was common place through much of the civil war. Juba successfully brought out another African-American dancer named Johnny Diamond who performed at the Vauxhall Garden in about 1840 when he was 17. In 1845, the Great Potato Famine struck Ireland . In my opinion, this event was a catalyst for toetap. It brought a people, the Irish with their love for rhythmic dances such as step, clogging, and the jig, to America. Even today clogging and tap dance share some of the same steps. The music halls of the day started to cater to the new influx of people. As this societal upheaval was taking place in America, a great force for tap and toetap, Bill Robinson ,was performing. This one person, in my opinion, was in part the father of toetap. I base this statement on a TV show called "To Tell The Truth" (1956-1967) where a woman who fooled the panel of judges said that she did Mr. Robinson's routine (right after him) as he did it step for step only on pointe. Then, to prove it, she performed the routine for the panel. Let's give a little "yeah" for one of America's tap masters. Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (1878-1949), famous for his soft shoe and tap routines and especially famous for his "Stair Dance", a variation of which was a toetapper's staple between 1920 and 1930. I read an article saying that he used wooden taps, and danced mostly on the front part of the foot doing shuffles and riffs. Ballet comes off the respirator. With a dancer By the name of Adeline Genée (1875-1955),Even before the great Ziegfield opened his follies in 1909.He produced a show called “The Soul Kiss”. Which opened on Jan.28,1909 at the New York Theater in New York City. Staring Prima Ballerina Anita Jensen (Adeline Genée).The Show was a huge success!Zeigfeld billed her as the world’s greast dancer. In two country’s she made people aware that ballet is a true art form. She is also,credited with the popularizing and, the reestablishment of ballet in Great Britian and in America. In 1931 the Genée Metal Awards were instituted in her honor. They remain the most important awards of excellence given to a young dancer. In 1950 was created Dame of the Order of the British Empire for her services to ballet. In my opion this is worth noting for keeping a dancer form alive, because without her,it surely would have died. You can read a little about her here Http://parlorsongs.com/issues/2003-9/thismonth/featureb.php. You also, can see Ziegfeld comments and,a picture of Adeline Genée. Here http://www.collectorspost.com/GoldenAge.htm . In Finishing all Ballet dancers worth their toeshoes should really thank this great dancer. For Ballet in America was dying, when Tap was becoming king. If toetap had a father it needed a mother. In my opion this woman was Bessie Clayton who laid the foundation for toetap. Bessie Clayton's family were Irish immigrants who settled in Philadelphia. She was trained by George W. Smith and made her debut in 1891 in "A Trip to Chinatown" as a specialty dancer. Miss Clayton became famous for her pique turns and pendulum kicks while going down a STAIRCASE, which she did in "The Passing Show of 1913". She also danced in unblockd pointe shoes. Now, we need a medium to fuse all theses elements together. That medium was Vaudeville. Vaudeville dance terms make it hard to determine who is toe dancing [dancing en pointe] and who is toetapping. Vaudeville's definition goes like this: anything outside the norm is called a "eccentric dance". In today's mind set, that is like when hip-hop first caught on in the 1970's. It was outside the normal dance style of the day, which was Disco. The catagories of "eccentric dance" are Eccentric Toe Dance, Specialty Dance, Eccentric Ballet dance, Toetap Dance, and Toe Drum Dance. You see what I mean? The first toetap ad I found was in a Dance Magazine from May 1929, which advertised Haney's Toe Dance Tappers. The ad also stated that Ethel Norris Berkshire wore them in a play called "Rain or Shine" which she performed in 1928. By 1929 there were 1000 toetap shoes on the market. America was so tap crazy they just could not get enough. Capezio jumped on the bandwagon too by making their own toetap shoe with a wood sole and taps. Freed of London made taps till 2007, stopping mainly due to libility law suits. I am the only one left that still makes toetaps for pointe shoes. Selva made toetap shoes with steel shanks. The problem with this idea was when the shanks broke, they could enter the person foot cutting into the peroneus longus tendon, ending many a dance career. These shoes made it possible to go on to pointe with very little experience or training which was an accident waiting to happen. I'm going to get off toetap history and talk about toetap's bad reputation. Toetap has gotten a bad reputation over the years, mainly due to people who where not ready to attempt even a toe-loop with regular shoes. Dancing on pointe , You need strong ankles, even for a basic toe-loop and stronger ones for a pointe shoes. The mind set at the time was to put small children up on pointe before they were ready because their moms wanted their little girl to be a star. This was madness! They made books for home courses promising if you did what was in the book you too could be on pointe in two weeks. A modern pointe shoe is a deceptively simple looking thing, yet it can harm you in unbelievable ways including black [bruised] toenails, bleeding feet, torn achilles tendons, popped hip, busted knees, stress fractures, to name a few. Yet, no parent will sue a pointe shoe maker from these injuries. [This is, if you go on pointe without the proper training and strength, or with ill fitting shoes. These things should NOT be happening and will need more than just bandaids and injury treatment to fix.] Now add a piece of metal to the toe and get the same injury... lawsuit. I saw a video clip where a ballerina slipped and fell flat on her face. Then and only then did the teacher from the side lines say "Be careful, the stage was just waxed". You can bet there were no law suits there; it was most likely put down to experince. Amazing! [You're going to fall. It's a fact of life for a dancer. Many, many studios have you sign a contract stating that you will not sue if you get injured while dancing there. Frankly, injuries are almost never "the shoe's fault". They are either a result of overuse, ill fitting shoes, bad training, an accident or any combinations of these.] I still feel that a toetap dancers need to be strong in pointe [and therefore ballet technique] and tap, and then still be guided by a teacher. Yes, there are still toetap teachers to learn from. Then, understand there are going to be mistakes. Learn from them and improve, just like the system for pointe and tap [and any other dance form].Here are just a few toetap dancers whom I have found:Addam Sisters: A three sister act that did singing, Specality Ballet (toetap), and Theatrical Dance. Errol Addison: English ballet and theatrical dancer. Addison and many American Cecchetti students were the innovators of eccentric ballet and tap techniques.La Petite Adelaide: Performed in many plays including "Up and Down Broadway". She danced on tables, inside hampers, and on drums.Edith Barstow: American theatrical ballet dancer and theatrical choreographer. Besides doing all that. she often paired up with her brother Richard for a toetapping and exhibition ballroom act.Richard Barstow: American theatrical dancer and Specialty Vaudeville adancer. Although born with a club foot, he became an Eccentric Toe Dancer, specializing in toetapping, long distance Toe Dancing, Russian pointe work and the down the staircase trick that was popularized by Bessie Clayton and Mazie King. In a old video clip, he jumps off a Baby Grand Piano, then lands standing on pointe.Lina Basquette: American theatrical ballet dancer and child-star. In 1922, she made her New York debut as a Ballet Specialty Dancer in the Ziegfeld Follies show.Ethel Norris Berkshire: American theatrical and ballet dancer and speciality Vaudville dancer; did a toetap act in the 1928 play "Rain or Shine".Bessie Clayton: American theatrical and ballet dancer. Was famous for doing pique turns on pointe while going down a staircase.Dorothy Datton: 1930's movie star ballet and theatrical dancer. Starred in "The Idol of the North". Did a toetap number and was introduced by Glen Ford! Lily Elsie: Music hall artist and Specality Ballet Dancer. She did a ballet tap routin and one with a drum (Toe Drumming).Harriet Hoctor: American theatrical ballet dancer. Miss Hoctor introduced the backbend on pointe sequence she became famous for while performing in The Bird Dance in "Topsy and Eva". You can see this sequence in the movie "Shall we Dance". She taught her students toetap until her death in 1977.Mazie King: American Eccentric Toe dancer. She danced the "staircase trick" and labeled herself as the greatest novelty dancer in the world.Iris Kirkwhite: English theatrical ballet dancer. Kirkwhite performed her specialty, a pizzicato waltz in a form of toetapping, in the London production of "The Blue Mazurka", ''Sunny", and "The Andre Charlot 1928 Revue" with Errol Addison. She also danced in the "Moonlight Ballet".Joyce Murry: American ballet and theatrical dancer. Did a toetap number in the movie "Broadway Melody of 1929" listed under cast member as a Specialty Dancer.Margret Turner: Movie and theater star. Toetapped on a wooden dru, on video.Rosie Radiator: American ballet, tap, and toetap dancer who still teaches toetap to her students today at http://www.radtap.com/Gypsy Rose Lee: Flim ,TV, Vaudville and Burlesque star. Singer, ballet dancer, actress, and Specialty Dancer. In a play by the same name [Gypsy], a toetap routine is performed when Gypsy is a little girl. This has been switched to a regular tap dance routine in the modern version of the play.The editing of the article goes to Two very nice lady's: Selly of http://www.danceoutlook.com/And Jill L. my dearest friend