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<\/a><\/p>\nAlthough being told you are finally ready to go en pointe (often the most exciting moment in a young dancer’s life!) children develop at different rates. It is really\u00a0important not to rush this very important step in the training\u00a0process as patience is the key here for the best results long term.\u00a0There are a few criteria that need to be in place before putting a\u00a0student en pointe for the first time \u2013 I have explained most of\u00a0these in class to the girls but I thought it would be helpful for you\u00a0to have this information as well. Please remember that these\u00a0points have been instituted to enhance your child\u2019s experience in\u00a0ballet. There is nothing more disheartening than a young lady\u00a0who is struggling valiantly to get on pointe, but not succeeding\u00a0in spite of a lot of effort.<\/p>\n
Parents, I respectfully request that you explain to your child that\u00a0it is important to be patient in the pursuit of excellence. Also, that it is important to trust your teachers and mentors in life. The strongest fortresses are always built on a sound foundation.<\/p>\n
Students should be:<\/p>\n
- \n
- 11 years or older.<\/li>\n
- Should have at least 2 years of training.<\/li>\n
- Taking at least 2 classes of dance a week and attends classes consistently.<\/li>\n
- Is responsible enough to bring all ballet equipment needed (uniform, ballet shoes, and uniform cardigan or hoodie).<\/li>\n
- Is well-groomed, with hair out of the face and in a bun (no ponytails).<\/li>\n
- Is able to take the entire class.<\/li>\n
- Pays attention in class and works well.<\/li>\n
- Should be of normal weight.<\/li>\n
- Has enough of an arched instep to stand on pointe.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Student must have sufficient strength to do the following:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Holds turnout while dancing \u2013 this is much more difficult to do on a 1 \u00bd inch base, so must be secure on flat.<\/li>\n
- Has a strong, straight back while dancing, especially the lower back \u2013 all muscles are connected to the back, which must work in co-ordination with the core to result in a strong centre for a dancer.<\/li>\n
- Keeps the heels forward towards the big toe (no sickling) \u2013 to avoid imbalances in the ankle and foot, both sides of the foot must be lengthened equally<\/li>\n
- Uses pli\u00e9 while dancing \u2013 most steps en pointe require pli\u00e9 to come up and down from the shoe<\/li>\n
- Relev\u00e9 on one leg with a straight supporting leg and not relying on the barr\u00e9 \u2013 vital for developing strength<\/li>\n
- Balance in relev\u00e9 with no wobbles in the ankle, and rest of body in alignment \u2013 back straight, hips level, turn out from the hip<\/li>\n
- Stand as high as possible on demi-point with fully stretched legs. This step is harder to do en pointe and a bent leg is usually a sign of weakness or improper step preparation. A student who keeps her heels very low to the ground is not using and preparing her calf muscles and will not have the strength for pointe work.<\/li>\n
- Point their feet while dancing – This uses the same muscles as pointe-work. These muscles need to be strong enough to support the student’s body weight on the ends of her toes. If students are not in the habit of using these foot muscles, she will not be able to support herself en pointe and will probably knuckle over on her toes and increasing the chances of injury.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Once you have your shoes…. DO NOT PRACTICE AT HOME! No matter how tempting, please only work in class en pointe. Pointe shoes need time to air after each use, so a string bag (usually given with each pair of shoes) is perfect, and if using gel pads or \u201couch pouches\u201d, do not store in the toe of the shoe.<\/p>\n
And finally, congratulations! All those years of working hard in your classes have paid off, you are finally strong enough, and you have become one of the “big girls” and you get to work en pointe!<\/p>\n
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Pointework – Senior Classes Our weekly separate Pointework class\u00a0is only applicable to students who have been training at a Grade 5 ballet level, and only once they are strong enough in the core, legs and ankles to do so. It is a mixed class, so different levels of exercises are given to students training at … <\/p>\n