POINTE WORK

Dancers are often keen to start pointe work. It’s exciting, it’s quintessentially balletic, and it’s an important step in becoming a bona fide ballerina. However, there are risks associated with pointe work and in particular starting pointe before a dancer is ready. The International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) suggests that dancers should only start pointe training above the age of 12, and only then if they have taken multiple ballet classes per week of pre-vocational standard for a number of years, and also possess sufficient flexibility and strength/postural control to do so. With so many boxes to check, parents are sometimes left scratching their heads wondering when is a safe time to start.

 

(Some schools and many dancers want to rush this process, and I have seen many times large irreversible bunions in dancers as young as 15 who started pointe at a young age..)

 

Pre-Pointe ballet classes are a useful addition to technique training to prepare a dancer’s technique for pointe, but how do you know if you dancer is strong enough to safely start on pointe?

 

WHEN IS A DANCER READY?

Welcome to the Ballet Physio POINTE PRELUDE course

ABOUT THE COURSE

Pointe Prelude is the ideal solution to ensure dancers are safe and ready to start pointe-work, or for dancers recently on pointe who wish to progress stronger pointe-work. Dancers will work through a series of pointe-readiness tests and strengthen each aspect of safe and strong pointe-work. More than just feet, we strengthen whole body alignment, balance, and coordination to prepare dancers’ bodies for the challenges of dancing on pointe. Some schools offer pointe training for boys as well as girls, and this course caters to everyone.

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Who is Pointe Prelude for?

Pointe Prelude is designed for dancers, both girls and boys, who are getting ready to start their pointe work journey. It is designed for dancers aged 10 years and older, who have been taking multiple ballet classes each week for at least two years. The age recommendation is due to the recommended starting age, and to enable the dancer to follow along with exercises on screen with the required level of detail.

Can I start pointe work once I’ve completed Pointe Prelude?

Pointe Prelude tests to ensure a dancer’s strength and physical capacity is pointe-ready. It is up to the dancer’s ballet teacher to determine whether their technique and level of focus in class is at the required level also. When the teacher says you’re ready to start pointe, and you’ve completed the Pointe Prelude course, then you can be confident of starting on pointe with safety and strength.

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