0
Dancing "en pointe," or on pointe, is a major goal in a ballerina's dance life. Dancing on pointe, or your toes, requires tremendous strength of the legs and feet. Many balletteachers have strict requirements for starting pointe work. How do you know when you're ready for pointe shoes? Following are 5 requirements that must be met before considering starting pointe Ballet classes.
Age for Pointe
The proper age to start pointe work is controversial. Many experts believe that a ballet dancer can begin dancing on pointe if she is at least 9 or 10 years old. Some teachers don't attach a number at all, they simply rely on ability. However, because growth of the foot is about complete at age 11 or 12, many agree that pointe work could be introduced at this time. Never try dancing on pointe shoes if an instructor tells you to wait, as it's easy to become injured.
Years of Training for Pointe
You can't begin a ballet career in pointe shoes. In order to be able to dance on pointe, a dancer must have had time to achieve the form, strength, and alignment needed to make a successful transition into pointe work. Proper technique is required to be able to properly rise on the toes without risks of injury.
Class Enrollment for Pointe
In order to maintain proper technique and flexibility needed for pointe work, it is imperative to practice ballet formally at least 3 times per week. The pointe portion of the class should follow the regular ballet class, perhaps extending the class time by half an hour. This ensures that the entire body, especially the feet and ankles, are properly warmed up.
Physical Readiness for Pointe
All dancers should be formally evaluated by their ballet teacher to determine if they are physically ready to meet the demands of pointe work. The teacher should check for correct body position and alignment, sufficient turnout, strength and balance, and mastery of basic ballet techniques.
Emotional Maturity for Pointe
Pointe work is hard work. Beginning pointe classes will be more demanding on your body, especially your feet. Are you prepared to suffer from sore feet and occasional blisters? Also, pointe shoes are complicated and demand a certain level of responsibility to maintain. You must be taught the correct way to put them on your feet and tie them to your ankles. You must also care for them properly to keep them in good condition. Furthermore, are you ready to devote at least three hours per week to ballet classes? Choosing to dance on pointe is a decision that should be taken seriously.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
When can you start pointe?
You can start pointe when your dance teacher thinks your feet are strong enough ;)
Can I go on pointe?
If your dance teacher has told you to get pointe shoes, then you should go en pointe when you are supervised to start with. If you havn't been told to get pointes then i would not recommend it as you could hurt your feet/ankles.
How many ballet grades are there and which grade do you normally start pointe work?
Acutally - it depends on where you go. If you dance with BTDA for example, it goes to grade 5, then intermediate and up. If, like myself, you dance with the royal ballet school, it goes to grade 8. pointe work does not start at a specific grade. I dance with the North Wales School of Dance and really, the pointe work strats around grade 5. But the ballet teachers will only let you start if they think that you are ready (ankles are strong, point is good) You really have to work hard and pointe is quite dangerous, you can brake your ankles.
Who was the first person to dance on pointe?
Most people believe the first person to dance on pointe was Marie Taglioli, but there is a little evidence that someone could have danced on pointe before her.
When was point dance invented?
Marie Taglioni (1804-1884) was the first dancer to dance "en pointe." Pointe made its debut in 1832, when Taglioni performed as the star of "La Sylphide" wearing pointe shoes.
When can you start pointe?
You can start pointe when your dance teacher thinks your feet are strong enough ;)
Can I go on pointe?
If your dance teacher has told you to get pointe shoes, then you should go en pointe when you are supervised to start with. If you havn't been told to get pointes then i would not recommend it as you could hurt your feet/ankles.
When is it safe for a girl to dance in pointe ballet shoes?
You should only dance on pointe when you have an experienced dance instructor conform that you are ready. My dance instructor knows someone who went on pointe too early and was consequently not able to have children.
How many ballet grades are there and which grade do you normally start pointe work?
Acutally - it depends on where you go. If you dance with BTDA for example, it goes to grade 5, then intermediate and up. If, like myself, you dance with the royal ballet school, it goes to grade 8. pointe work does not start at a specific grade. I dance with the North Wales School of Dance and really, the pointe work strats around grade 5. But the ballet teachers will only let you start if they think that you are ready (ankles are strong, point is good) You really have to work hard and pointe is quite dangerous, you can brake your ankles.
Who was the first person to dance on pointe?
Most people believe the first person to dance on pointe was Marie Taglioli, but there is a little evidence that someone could have danced on pointe before her.
Is pointe bad for you in dance?
If you care for your feet and build the muscles in your feet (by doing dyna band exercises) before starting pointe you should not have a problem. However if your start pointe when you are still young it can hurt your feet. Typically pointe shoes can be worn starting around age 12.
How old do doctors recommend you be to dance en pointe?
Most doctors will recommend that you be at least 12 years of age to dance en pointe.
How old do you have to be to dance en pointe?
A safe age to start pointe is ages 11 to 13, which is when the growth plates of the ankle have fused. Starting pointe before this has the potential to permanently disfigure the ankle and/or foot. Also generally before this girls have not had enough strength training to sustain them en pointe.
When was point dance invented?
Marie Taglioni (1804-1884) was the first dancer to dance "en pointe." Pointe made its debut in 1832, when Taglioni performed as the star of "La Sylphide" wearing pointe shoes.
Can boys dance in pointe shoes?
Yes, although pointe is not as common as demi-pointe for males. I have seen a few males in pointe shoes (white, not pink), but I think most males prefer demi-pointe.
What is in the tip of a pointe dance shoe?
Usually, wood.
How long does it take to get on pointe?
It depends on how long you have been dancing and the dance school you're in. Usually the norm is to give it 3-4 solid years of training and prep (not particularly pre-pointe, but at least working up to that) For the average dancer who starts around 6-8 years of age the normal time to start pre-pointe and pointe is around 13 and 14 years of age. If you start later it will depend purely on how quickly you strengthen and learn dance, on your body type, and when your instructor says you're ready to begin.
