The first thing a dancer will need before starting pointe work is teacher's approval. A dancer shouldn't have to approach their teacher and ask if they are ready, the teacher will come to the student when they believe they are ready. A dance teacher's job is to teach dancers correct technique and to observe the students, if the teachers notice great improvement, they will consider a dancer for pointe work.
2. Age & Experience
For a dancer to be physically ready for pointe work, they need to be at the right age and have the correct amount of experience to advance. It is highly recommended that a dancer doesn't start pointe work any earlier than the age of 13. It can be highly dangerous to start dancing en pointe during the ages of 11 or 12 because at that age the metatarsal structure is too weak to handle the weight of the dancer's body. Starting pointe work too early when the dancer's bones are too soft could lead to growth-plate fractures and foot deformities. Age isn't the only factor, a dancer also needs plenty of experience to continue on to pointe work. It is usually recommended that a dancer has about 2 years of experience at least before starting pointe. It is also encouraged that the dancers take multiple ballet classes to maintain proper technique in preparation for pointe work and that they devote more time and effort into ballet than any other dance style.
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| Training |
The amount of strength required to dance en pointe is insane. A dancer's core, ankles and back need to be especially strong in order to sustain the body weight of a dancer. If there is concern about the ankles not being strong enough, try these exercises every day to work out the ankles and prepare them. (Video credit: Lisa Maree)
4. Emotional Preparation
Something that not a lot of dancers take into account is the amount of damage that can come from pointe work on the dancer's feet. When deciding to attempt pointe work, the dancer needs to expect blisters, bruises, aches, blood and in severe cases, bunions and corns. Ballet is a strenuous activity that can take a great tole on the human body. A dancer needs to be willing to sacrifice their feet if they want to continue on with pointe work.
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| A Ballerina's Feet |
In conclusion, a dancer needs to consider all of the factors before jumping into pointe work and check off all of the steps to prepare for such an intense form of art. Was the dancer given an affirmative from their dance teacher? Is the dancer at least 12 years of age and do they have at least 2 years of ballet experience? Is the dancer's body strong enough? And is the dancer prepared for the damage pointe work will cause the body? Hopefully this post has been helpful to some dancers that wanted to know if they truly are prepared for this beautiful, painful advancement in dance.
