Keeping the world's greatest dancers on their toes

London (CNN) -- They are the most important element of a ballerina's costume: Pointe shoes, which allow dancers to stand on the tips of their toes, can make the difference between an amazing performance and a dismal show.

So important are the pink silk shoes in the life of a dancer that most ballerinas will only ever wear established and trusted brands -- and for the greats of the ballet world, this brand is Freed of London.

Shoemaker to the stars for over 80 years, Freed has supplied shoes to dancing greats including Margot Fonteyn, Suzanne Farrell and Leanne Benjamin as well as Patrick Swayze and U.S. actress Natalie Portman, who wore Freed shoes for her Oscar-nominated performance in "Black Swan."

"You really need to have someone who knows how shoes work and knows what you need," said Tamara Rojo, Principal Dancer at Britain's Royal Ballet, who has been wearing Freed shoes for almost 20 years.

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Summer Dance Programs

Yes moms and dads dance audition season is just around the corner, and you may be asking yourself these questions:

*  What is a good age to start summer programs?
Miss Angie's advise is anywhere between 11 years and 16 years old depending on the dancers maturity and dedication.  Dancers can continue summer intensives all through their professional careers.  If your son or daughter gets homesick easily or doesn't like the idea of camp, they might not be ready for a summer intensive.

*  Where do I get information on summer programs?
The best source is Dance Magazine, they have a December or January issue with all of the programs, fees, and dates.  The internet is also a great resource, along with advanced dancers and their parents.  Miss Angie, Miss Marie, and Mr. Addison are also very informed about the many different options.

Miss Angie also recommends to be prepared.  Dancers may need arabesque photos, resumes, and should start getting these materials together now.
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Just like any job "interview" for a position in the business world, a dance audition is the opportunity for you to market yourself and your talents.  As most dancers who are auditioning along with you will be talented enough to get into the summer intensives, what will help you to be the stand-out among them?

One of the first things you need to have is an updated resume and headshot.  Make sure to list every dancing performance and master class you've had, no matter how small.  You don't need to spend a fortune on pictures.  A not too posed black and white shot, 8x10 should suffice.  Remember to keep your hair and make up simple.  You want to shine and keep the focus on yourself, not your jewelry.  Make sure you carry an extra copy of your resume and headshot with you, just in case.

Remain focused at all times and don't stop reaching to fulfill your dream.  How many times have you heard the story of persistence paying off?  Sometimes the only real difference between those that fail and those that succeed is persistence.  it's like a fighter who gets hit, falls on the mat, and then gets up again.  You're not going to be perfect for every show, but you just might be perfect for an upcoming one, and you'll want to make sure that you're remembered. 

Your interaction with your peers is also of great importance.  Remember that you're being watched from the minute you walk in the door of an audition.  How do you interact with others?  Do you smile and make eye contact?  Do you appear confident, positive and focused?  Do you keep a sense of good humor about you?

Don't forget to take care of yourself on a regular basis.  A good diet, exercise, plenty of sleep and relaxation will help keep you in peak physical condition so you'll be ready for the next audition.
(edited from www.articlesbase.com)