My First Pointe Shoes

Former American Ballet Theatre dancer Michelle Benash is the instructor for this beginner's class on "pointe" (ballet dancing on the points of the feet), a more advanced technique generally introduced at age 11 or 12 (depending on bone development, strength, and prior training). As young Barbara Miller demonstrates, Benash talks viewers through the basics, such as the importance of properly fitting pointe shoes, attaching the ribbons and elastics that must be sewn into the shoes, and toenail care. In the two main instruction sections--"Beginner Barre" (seven lessons) and "Beginner Center Floor" (five lessons), Benash narrates instruction while Miller illustrates each move. In the final minutes, Miller dons a ballerina costume as she exhibits the skills, and is finally joined by Benash for a brief duet before the credits roll. The subtitle "A Class for the Beginner Student" is a bit misleading, since numerous ballet terms are used without definition. Still, more advanced students would find this brief, but targeted, class to be useful. Recommended, with the above reservations. Aud: I, J, H, P. (J. Williams)