Requirements for Pointe
1. Age
Before starting pointe, a girl's foot plates should be done growing so the shoes don't damage her feet. She also needs to be responsible, a good listener, and able to take instruction. For these reasons, most teachers don't put girls en pointe until they are at least 11. Some ballet dancers under 12 get foot x-rays so they can be sure their feet are done growing. With late beginners, age usually isn't a problem.
2. Strength
Pointe requires strength in the feet, ankles, legs, and core. Without good balance and strong legs and ankles, it would be just too easy to fall off pointe and break an ankle. It also takes strength to get over the box of the shoe. A qualified dance teacher will be able to tell you when you are strong enough to begin pointe. It usually takes 3 years of three classes a week.
3. Technique and ability
Technique in ballet is so important. It is much harder to maintain turnout and keep from sickling in pointe shoes, so a dancer should be able to do these things when in flat shoes. You should be able to things flat before you can try them en pointe. If you can't do a single pirouette in flat shoes, there is no way you'll be able to do it on your toes!
I think many girls want to start pointe so badly that they don't think about actually doing pointe work. It would be so dull if you got pointe shoes but couldn't do anything in them because of lack of technique.
4. Commitment
Dancers should dance ballet because they want to, not because they want to start pointe. You need to be really committed to dance to begin pointe. You should be stretching and doing exercises (with permission of a teacher) at home, and you shouldn't skip class to hang out with friends. Pointe is hard work and can become frustrating but with determination you'll be able to improve.
*It takes an average of three 90 minute classes for three years to begin pointe, however every girl is different. Only a qualified dancer teacher can tell you when you are ready. Do NOT buy your own pointe shoes without permission from a qualified dance teacher. Do NOT begin pointe if you don't think you are ready.
This was really helpful thank you!
ReplyDeleteMay I ask, how long did it take you to get to pointe?
Hi, I'm glad it helped! Actually, I haven't started pointe yet. I'm scheduled to begin pointe this Spring. By the time I start, I'll have been dancing for about a year and a half.
ReplyDeleteSo from what I've heard, most people that have started at age 13, 14 have gotten to pointe within two years. Hm.
ReplyDeleteThere are some beginners that start before three years of training (like I will), but it is rare. Three years is what it usually requires to start pointe, but I was blessed with good feet for ballet and I'm a quick learner.
ReplyDeleteDon't rush to pointe, because if you aren't ready it won't be much fun. No one likes to get on pointe and not even be able to stand up properly, let alone dance.