Standing In Balance

Video:  Standing in Ballet heels:

DIRECT VIDEO LINK

How to Stand In Balance:

Did you know the best way to conserve energy and avoid fatigue while standing is to stand in balance? Standing in balance allows ease of movement. It reduces fatigue and the friction that produces aches and pains in joints and muscles.

It activates those muscles which should be at work holding the body erect, thereby helping to keep them in condition as a natural course of being. No exercise program necessary. No expensive gym memberships or machines.

Correct alignment of body parts is obtained by proper distribution of the weight of the body.

1. Place both feet parallel, a few inches apart, big toes pointing straight ahead. Slowly draw the buttock and Adductor muscles (inner thigh muscles) tightly together.
2. Press toward the ball of each foot and hold the body weight evenly distributed on both legs.
3. With the muscles in front of the thighs (quadriceps), pull up both kneecaps.
4. From the small of the back (lumbar region), with the long muscles, slowly stretch the back straight upward.
5. Draw yourself up toward the “crown” of the head.
6. Simultaneously, gently move the chin slightly forward until it is held at right angles to the front of the neck.
7. From the centre of the upper back, with the shoulder blade muscles (rhomboids and trapezius), slowly draw the shoulder blades back and down until they are flat and held together.
8. Let the arms hand loosely at the sides. (1)(2)

How does this relate to Ballet Heels?

Due to the position of the foot in the ballet heel, it is important to maintain a good posture. Your centre of balance changes somewhat from a normal stance while wearing a ballet heel. You are inclined to place the bulk of your weight onto the toe. This is incorrect. To maintain a safe centre of balance the bulk of your weight must be placed at the heel of your foot. The construction of the heel of these shoes is incorrect therefore some modifications are recommended.

However for the purposes of this tutorial set, I am using standard unmodified Devious heels as I figure most of you have these hiding in the backs of your cupboards. As a preference I use another brand due to its superior design for my every day use.

Some people who own Devious Ballet heels find it helpful to remove the heel pin and cut 1.5cm off the bottom of the heel. I can supply instructions for this process. I note however, it is not an optimal solution, although better than nothing.

There is an increased risk of damage to your body while using any heel, especially with the ballet heel. For increased enjoyment of your ballet heels, the preparation is as important as the wearing.

Fetish behaviours aside, most of us have a job, family and other things to attend to which require our bodies to be well enough to perform these tasks. Imagine never being able to work again, because you permanently damaged yourself in a fetish scene?

I believe being fit and healthy makes fetish play more fun and increases the possibilities of play. You don’t have to be at the elite level of fitness; merely a general ability and some flexibility. Obviously, the fitter and stronger your body, the longer you will be able to maintain your wear.

(1)Quoted directly from LOOK BETTER, FEEL BETTER by Bess Mensendieck, MD, 1954

(2) All points demonstrated in video

Points to note:

A full length mirror is your best friend. It is the easiest way to self correct posture issues because the feedback is instant. So is the self correction.

Ankle strength and flexibility are important if not paramount to successful Ballet Heel wearing. You can improve ankle strength and flexibility with simple exercises.  These are available in this journal.

Find centre of balance in your ballet heels by:

1. Standing with predominance of weight on the heel of the shoe.
2. Relaxing the foot into the toe of the shoe.
3. Tilting hips forwards and up.
4. Engaging bottom and inner thigh muscles.
5. Ensuring knee musculature is engaged so knee is pulled up.
6. Abdominal girdle is engaged.
7. Shoulders are relaxed and set back, not dropping forwards.

Stiffening of the muscles causes damage.

Engaging muscles is not the same. It is a controlled conscious movement.

Stiffening is what we do when we feel unsure and is unconscious. It is the precursor to “fight or flight” adrenalin mode. Adrenalin makes the muscles work hard and become more susceptible to damage. Breathing with intent (to a count or a beat as your preference is) can help the mind and body to calm.

Posture