January 21, 2011

I Used To Be A Ballerina

I have an exciting photo shoot coming up this week which will require me to stand on my old pointe shoes that I haven't used in 5 years or so.

I practically lived in pointe shoes for 15 years of my life and now found myself totally terrified to put them back on.

What if I couldn't stand in them??

I would probably go jump off a bridge.

But the moment I put them on, it was like riding a bike. Everything felt so familiar and even though it was slightly more painful than I remember, it felt so good to be wearing them again.

My toes felt like someone was banging them with a dull hammer at first but the pain eased as my body heat softened the shoe making it more pliable.

Balancing is a lot harder than it used to be. It's a very weird sensation because my muscles know exactly what to do but they no longer have the strength to do it.

But my arch is still AWESOME!! I was always proud of my "good feet". I spent many nights stretching and bending them (almost to the point of snapping my feet in half) to achieve a nice arch.

I found one pair that had a hole in the big toe area that went through the entire shoe. I remember dancing in this pair and my toe would scrape along the floor. I remember the blood...the pain...the satisfaction.

I miss being on pointe. I miss ballet. But I will never regret quitting.

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8 comments:

Eva said...

Those pictures are beautiful. I can't wait to see the photoshoot results :)
I used to dance ballet, too, but I gave up when I was about 12. I wish I wouldn't, though...
I really like your blog :)

http://fashionistas-diary.blogspot.com

NinyaBella said...

You still look like a Ballerina, your legs look a mile long! You look so graceful, I love the picture by the window you look so pretty. :) Can't wait to see the photos from the shoot!

Anonymous said...

Jewelz is the black swan! ;-)

Bruna Resende said...

Beautiful pictures. I used to be a ballerina too, but I hurt my knees dancing and had to stop. I still miss it a lot... Anyway, it's a beautiful form of art!

drollgirl said...

lovely pictures! and i cannot imagine the skill, strength and stamina it takes to be a dancer! ay yi yi! so much work and dedication!

p.s. you might want to put a link for your blog on your blogger profile page -- it is easier to get to you that way. :)

Jeremiah Carber said...

WOW those shoes are so worn through- not out! Mad respect for your dedication for dancing. PS- if you search my name- your awesome site comes up like 7th on the list. Keep the blog up and you might get some sponsor to promote your production. Your blog inspires me to update my 11 websites..... la laLOVE YOU JEWELZ

overstock said...

Hot. The picture by the window is awesome. and your long legs look extremely beautiful in the one by the pole.
great blog!

Dhalia Edwards said...

You're soooo pretty Julie. You have pure talent.

Dhalia

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