Ready or Not? When will I be ready for Pointe Shoes?

You have been dreaming about your first pair of Pointe shoes, you have been dedicated to your ballet class and working really hard. What does your teacher look for to know when and if you are ready to get your first pair of Pointe shoes?

Pointe Shoes Readiness;

The bones of the feet need to be fully developed and strong. If you start on Pointe without proper strength and technique you could cause growth plate fractures and cause permanent damage. Long foot bones start to harden between 8 & 14 years of age. Before that age your feet and ankles may be too weak to hold the weight of your body on Pointe. There are always exceptions to the rule and your teacher will assess each student individually, but safe consideration for Pointe work usually begins around 12 years of age.

Ready or Not? Students should be;

• Around 12 years old.
  
• Have been taking ballet for at least 2 years prior and take a minimum of 3 classes a week, consistently without a lot of absenteeism. Serious commitment to several ballet classes a week is necessary to develop the strength needed for Pointe work.
• Is mature and responsible in their work ethic in class and is always prepared for class with proper dance wear, hair in a bun and all the necessary things (water bottle, ballet slippers, theraband if using) to have the best class possible. Be prepared and ready to learn!
• Is strong enough to hold their turnout while dancing, has strong and secure ankles when on demi-pointe, good use of demi-plie and stretched feet. Have a strong, straight back and strong abdominal muscles to lift up and support your weight in your Pointe shoes.
• Have taken Pointe Preparation class to help build strength in feet, ankles and legs. It is recommended to begin this around age 10 or 11. Exercises can be given to you by your teacher to be done at home, so please ask.
• Once you are given the go ahead from your teacher, she may offer to go with you to insure you get the proper fit for your first shoes. Otherwise your teacher will tell you when and where to make your appointment to be fitted. Your body will thank-you for being well prepared.

First Year on Pointe

Your teacher will teach you how to care for and prepare your feet and shoes for Pointe work. 
In the first year of Pointe work it is slow and gradual and should be done under your teacher’s supervision. Do not practice at home unless instructed by your teacher. You will be doing lots 
of very slow exercises at the barre before going to the centre. Be patient as this takes time to develop the strength needed to dance on Pointe. 

Congratulations as you enter the wonderful and exciting next stage to your ballet dancing!

For more information read; The Pointe Book by Janice Barringer and Sarah Schlesinger

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