POINTE READINESS
How your teacher decides if and when you will dance on Pointe.
There is something about these satin slippers that entices all young dancers. Not only is there a certain mystique and a well-earned sense of accomplishment that goes along with getting a pair of pointe shoes, but it is often considered a symbol for the student, representing that one has graduated into something “bigger and better.” Despite that the path is sometimes painful and frustrating with prolonged and hard-won rewards, young dancers spend much time and thought getting ready for pointe work. But how will your teacher decide if you are ready? Why might she, or he, decide you are not? And what can you expect if you are prepared to wear a pair of pointe shoes?
As a teacher, it is not easy to tell an eager student that they are not yet ready for pointe shoes. There are many factors involved when considering each individual’s preparedness.
Number one, is safety.
Is the student ready to safely work at this level?
“The bones of the foot are not fully developed, strengthened and hardened until sometime in the teenage years. Naturally there is a great deal of individual variation. If a young dancer attempts pointe work without proper strength and technique, there is a chance that she will permanently damage those not fully developed bones. Body weight times momentum creates a great deal of force.” – When To Start Pointework? via Gaynor Minden FAQ
“Students attempting pointe work before being ready risk, at the very least, building bad habits which may take years to correct. More serious is the potential for injury or permanent damage to the bone or muscle structure of the foot, which far outweighs the risk of disappointment.” — To The Pointe by Janet Parke
Number one, is safety.
Is the student ready to safely work at this level?
“The bones of the foot are not fully developed, strengthened and hardened until sometime in the teenage years. Naturally there is a great deal of individual variation. If a young dancer attempts pointe work without proper strength and technique, there is a chance that she will permanently damage those not fully developed bones. Body weight times momentum creates a great deal of force.” – When To Start Pointework? via Gaynor Minden FAQ
“Students attempting pointe work before being ready risk, at the very least, building bad habits which may take years to correct. More serious is the potential for injury or permanent damage to the bone or muscle structure of the foot, which far outweighs the risk of disappointment.” — To The Pointe by Janet Parke
General Requirements
Though teachers may have their own set of criteria, these requirements are widely accepted within the dance community
At least 11 years of age.
At least 2 years of ballet training.
Taking at least 3 full hours of ballet per week.
Responsible enough to bring all ballet equipment needed.
Dresses appropriately for class.
Attentive in class and applies corrections well.
At least 11 years of age.
At least 2 years of ballet training.
Taking at least 3 full hours of ballet per week.
Responsible enough to bring all ballet equipment needed.
Dresses appropriately for class.
Attentive in class and applies corrections well.
Physical Criteria
A general (not necessarily complete) list of what you need to be able to DO.
Maintains turnout while dancing.
Demonstrates correct posture and alignment in positions and while moving.
Shows awareness of proper ankle and foot alignment, avoiding supination (sickling) or pronation (rolling-in)
Effectively uses plié while dancing.
Stretches or points the foot while dancing.
Can piqué with a straight leg.
Can perform repeated relevé in the center without tiring & while maintaining alignment.
Can balance on one foot with the body correctly positioned over the supporting leg.
Coordinates movement well, particularly in regard to varying approach to relevé (from plié, from straight leg, stepping or springing into, etc.) Attitude and work ethic play a large role in dancing at an advanced level. Students must display dedication during class and a strong commitment to the art form at all times.
Maintains turnout while dancing.
Demonstrates correct posture and alignment in positions and while moving.
Shows awareness of proper ankle and foot alignment, avoiding supination (sickling) or pronation (rolling-in)
Effectively uses plié while dancing.
Stretches or points the foot while dancing.
Can piqué with a straight leg.
Can perform repeated relevé in the center without tiring & while maintaining alignment.
Can balance on one foot with the body correctly positioned over the supporting leg.
Coordinates movement well, particularly in regard to varying approach to relevé (from plié, from straight leg, stepping or springing into, etc.) Attitude and work ethic play a large role in dancing at an advanced level. Students must display dedication during class and a strong commitment to the art form at all times.
Responding to a "No"
As parents and students, you should expect no less of a teacher than to instruct logically, carefully, and thoughtfully. Should a teacher’s criteria be unclear, should you have question about what is required or how you might improve, arrange a meeting with your teacher to discuss this. However, make a commitment to respecting your instructor’s judgment and knowledge if she feels you are not yet ready for pointe work. A teacher willing to say no to you has likely put much thought behind the decision, in contrast to a teacher who tells everyone yes.
What criteria do you or your teachers use to determine pointe readiness?
What else might a beginner expect?
Were you ready for pointe when you started?
What criteria do you or your teachers use to determine pointe readiness?
What else might a beginner expect?
Were you ready for pointe when you started?
