Get to the Pointe

Ballet dancers flock to Florida on their toes.

Comments (0) By PENN BULLOCK Thursday, Sep 4 2008

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Have you ever tried to stand en pointe? It’s not as easy as ballet dancers make it look. Wikipedia lists 28 common injuries stemming from this superhuman posture, including neuromas, bunions, hammertoes, and something called dorsal exostosis. The dangers notwithstanding, if it’s been your life’s dream to prance on your tippy-toes, now is your chance to learn. The XIII International Ballet Festival of Miami is sponsoring dance workshops at the In Motion Dance Theater through September 12. Get out there and break a toe.

This year’s fest draws dozens of ballet companies to South Florida for five performances. This Saturday, the teenage specimens of the ballet world — medal winners from the Young American Grand Prix and the prestigious Prix de Lausanne — show off at the Manuel Artime Theater at 8 p.m. The next day sees a contemporary-dance celebration of Brazilian Independence Day at 5 p.m. at the Colony Theater. On September 13 and 14, there will be marathon galas at the Arsht Center and the Jackie Gleason Theater. For a full list of events and ticket costs, call 305-549-7199 or visit www.internationalballetfestival.com.
Sat., Sept. 6; Sun., Sept. 7; Sat., Sept. 13; Sun., Sept. 14, 2008