Criteria for Pointe Work

• Student must be at least 11 years old to commence point work. Twelve years old is preferable, as bones in the feet will be stronger and less malleable.
• Student must have at least 2 years of training.
• The student must be taking a minimum of 2ballet technique classes a week consistently for a total of 4.5 hours weekly.
• The student must have sufficient strength, and optimally will:
  • Be able to hold their turnout while dancing. Turnout is the most basic concept of ballet. Without it, steps cannot be properly executed. It is much more difficult to hold one's turnout while en pointe, so it is necessary that the student is capable of doing it on flat.
  • Keep a strong, straight, back while dancing --allowing no swayback of the spine. A weak back will make it difficult --if not impossible --for a student to keep their balance while on pointe.
  • Keep the heels forward toward the big toe. The most stable position for pointe work is to have the weight slightly forward over the big toe. If the weight is over the little toe, the foot becomes sickled and increases the chances of strain or injury.
  • Use plie while dancing. Releve on pointe is accomplished by moving through the plie. Plies should be done with knees pointing straight over toes with the heels down.
  • Pointe their feet while dancing. Another basic concept of ballet is working with a fully stretched foot. This strengthens the muscles of the legs that pointe-work requires. If the student has not trained consistently with stretched feet, they risk being unable to support themselves en pointe.
  • Pique passé with a straight leg. The student should be strong enough to press themselves onto half-pointe. A bent leg is a sign of weakness.
  • Be able to do 16 releves in the center without stopping. Strength for pointe work is achieved by repeating exercises. Calf-muscles are strengthened by performing releves, and are vital for pointe-work.
  • Be able to hold a passé balance on half pointe. The student should be well-placed (hips square, back straight, legs turned-out), and have the strength to balance on half-pointe.
  • 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 work requires.
  • The student must pay attention in class and must work well. Going en pointe is a big step and requires commitment on the part of the student.