Professional Ballet Dancer Macyn Vogt wearing our Silipos Gel Toe Covers.
See how this product helps make her pointe shoes more comfortable while she was dancing!
What’s your name? Macyn Vogt
Where do you live? Florida
What type of athlete are you (recreational/pro/leisure)? Professional Ballet Dancer
How long have you been participating in this ballet? Ten years
What is your training regimen? How often are you wearing ballet slippers?
Before covid, we had class and rehearsed 6+ hours a day, 6 days a week and had performances in the evening during certain seasons. Now during covid, everything is constantly changing, but for now we are super lucky and six days a week we get to take class in a studio for an hour and fifteen minutes. If we are involved in the digital program being worked on, we will have rehearsals depending on who is called. Before covid, I spent about 6 hours in pointe shoes most days, during covid, it’s more like 1-3 hours a day.
What challenges did you face as an athlete before using Silipos gel toe covers (aching feet/pain from ballet slippers, etc.)?
Pointe shoes are not comfortable! We need a barrier between our toes and the shoe so that we don’t get blisters and bloody feet. The Gel Foot Covers are essential for just the right amount of protection but allow for the dancer to still feel the floor.
What is your impression of the Silipos product we sent you? How did it add value to you? What did you like about it? How has using this product make your life easier/better? Did it help with the pain you were experiencing?
The looming fear of getting blisters while using the Silipos Gel Toe Covers is nonexistent! I feel protected and at ease while dancing in these.
Would you recommend Silipos toe covers for pointe shoes to other athletes? Why?
Yes! These are a great way to prevent blisters and dance with ease.
What is something that your followers do not know about you, that you find to be very important to your personal lifestyle?
I love all things artsy. I am no pro, but I dabble a bit in photography, drawing, writing poetry, improving, playing the ukulele, singing… and it all leads to more inspiration. I find that all of these art forms connect in some way and spark a new way of thinking and allows your mind to relax from everyday struggles.
What keeps you motivated when you are faced with challenges?
The thought of performing on stage again for an audience is what keeps me going a lot of the time. There is no better feeling than being comfortable in your own skin, technique, and artistry and getting to perform something you love and have a passion for for people that have an appreciation for and knowledge of the arts. I will chase that feeling forever!
How do you structure your days?
Currently, I wake up, stretch, make coffee, and eat breakfast. I then go into the studio to get ready for class from 9:30 am until 10:45 am, socially distanced and wearing a mask. From there I come home, have lunch, and do some physical therapy exercises and Pilates to strengthen weak spots and prevent injuries. After that, during the school year, I will do schoolwork. I am currently attending online college so I will take a test, do homework, or read for any classes I need to. From there, some days I will go to the cafe I work at and help out for a few hours. After my shift, I will come home and make dinner with my roommate, relax, stretch, and roll out. Then it’s time for bed! I definitely need my sleep and try to get to bed by 10:30 pm.
Who are your biggest influences? Who do you admire most?
My biggest influences are definitely my friends and fellow dancers. In the studio I feel we thrive off of each other’s energy, and in my mind, the motivation just builds on how diligently we all work for our craft.
Aside from in person inspiration, I admire dancers that value artistry over tricks, I admire the dancers that work hard, I admire the dancers that persevere when ballet doesn’t come naturally to them. (I have a soft spot for underdogs.) And of course I love pure technique and liquid movement quality.
How do you care for your body and health aside from your sport?
I make sure to eat healthy, sleep a lot, and have rest days! Rest days are essential to avoid burnout and injuries. Outside of the studio, we all have different ways to stay in shape the best we can, I love Pilates.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring athlete?
The advice I would give to an aspiring dancer would be to enjoy dancing. Be in the moment and find ways to perform every day that makes you happy. Do it for yourself. When movement comes from your authentic self as a dancer, it seems more effortless, seamless, and it’s just so much more enjoyable to love moving than to beat yourself up for not being perfect.
Interested in following Macyn’s story? Check her out on Instagram @macynvogt!
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