Pre-Pointe/Pointe Ballet Class
Going en Pointe: Everything you need to know to be on your toes.
Each student responds to the demands of pointe preparation differently and some will need longer than others to be ready for pointe work. Students will be notified in writing when they are ready to go en pointe. Please do not buy pointe shoes before receiving that letter! We organize pointe shoe fittings so that students can be introduced to pointe technique and learn proper care for their feet and pointe shoes. Beginners on toe will spend approximately 10 minutes per class en pointe at the barre and will gradually build up their strength over time. Please feel free to speak with our teachers about any concerns you may have about pointe work. Beginner pointe students and students who are not approved for pointe should never attempt or practice pointe at home. It can result in injury or, at the least, very bad habits which will take years to unlearn.
Criteria for Pointe Work: Why can't I go en pointe?
1. The student must be 12 years or older.
2. The student must have at least 2 years of continuous ballet training.
3. The student must be consistently taking a minimum of 2 ballet classes a week.
4. The student must have sufficient strength to do the following:
- Hold turnout.
The most basic concept of ballet is turnout. It makes it possible to do certain steps that could not otherwise be done. Holding turnout while dancing is a good sign of strength. If the student does not have the strength to maintain her turnout, she is not strong enough for pointe, since it is much more difficult to hold turnout en pointe.
- Have a strong, straight back (especially the lower back).
Without a strong, non-swayed back, dancers are at risk of stress fractures.
- Maintain pointed feet.
The student must point her feet in order to strengthen the muscles that pointe-work requires. These muscles need to be strong enough to support the body weight on the ends of the toes. If the student does not habitually use these foot muscles, then she will not be able to support herself en pointe and might buckle over her toes, thereby increasing chances for injury.
- Pique and passé with a straight supporting leg.
The student should have enough strength to push herself onto demi-pointe with a straight leg. The pique is more difficult to perform en pointe and a bent leg on demi-pointe is a sign of weakness or improper step preparation.
- Do 16 releves in the center without stopping.
Strength for pointe work is achieved with repetition. Releves are excellent to build calf muscle strength, which is vital for pointe work. Strong releves on demi-pointe are a sign of strength. The student's heels must go very high on demi-pointe since pointe work demands this ability. Students with heels low to the ground on demi-pointe are not properly strengthening their calf muscles and will not be ready for pointe.
- Hold a passé balance on demi-pointe.
The student should be properly placed (square hips, straight back, turned- out legs) and have strength to balance on demi-pointe. Passé is more difficult to correct en pointe, as the surface area for balancing is smaller and the strength requirements are greater.
5. The student must be well groomed, with her hair out of her face. Short hair must be pulled back from the face with either clips or a wide headband.
6. The student must be responsible to bring all the ballet equipment she will need to class. pointe shoes require extra care and accessories.
7. The student must be in good health and able to take a whole class. If the student frequently needs to rest because of illness or injury, she is not strong enough for the extra demands that pointe requires.
8. The student must pay attention in class and work well. Going en pointe is a big step and requires commitment from the student.
9. The student must be of a healthy weight to prevent injury to knees and ankles.
10. The student must have strong, arched insteps to stand en pointe.
The studio and/or instructor are not responsible for injuries.
DRESS REQUIREMENTS: STREET SHOES, SHORTS, T-SHIRTS and/or BAGGY GARMENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN CLASS AT ANY TIME. Leotard, tights (no underwear), ballet shoes, and hair well-groomed and out of the face. (Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, and bun are preferred.)
