Q&A for How to Stand En Pointe

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  • Question
    My turnout is very good on flats and I can hold it, but when I relieve I lose a lot of it. Are there any exercises I can do to help with this?
    Community Answer
    There are a few things you can do. In each position, do a few eleves (they are like releves, but you don't plie), making sure you are at the maximum turnout. Squeeze your butt cheeks when you go up. This will help you maintain your turnout. Also, make sure that you are turning out from your hips, and not your knees or ankles.
  • Question
    Can I learn to do this in a few days?
    Community Answer
    You need years of training to go en pointe. If you are not strong enough (that is, not able to use the muscles in your feet and legs to keep yourself from "sagging" while en pointe) you can do serious damage to your joints. Even if you are strong enough to go en pointe, most people take weeks to months to be able to balance steadily.
  • Question
    Do you have break your toes in order to stand on your tippy toes?
    Community Answer
    Not at all. It's hard on your toes, but they do not get broken from being danced on.
  • Question
    Can I stand en pointe in flats?
    Community Answer
    No, you cannot. Improper shoes lack the support needed for pointe, and you could damage your toes, feet, or ankles.
  • Question
    My toes hurt when I balance on my toes, what should I do?
    Community Answer
    They will always hurt, even after years of practice. But you'll get used to it.
  • Question
    My teacher says I can go on pointe, but I am overweight. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Your weight won't matter when you are on pointe. If you go to a store and get fitted properly, they will advise you on the best shoes for you.
  • Question
    How long will it take to go en pointe?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your abilities and how hard you practice. Be patient and work hard.
  • Question
    How old do I have to be to go en pointe?
    Community Answer
    You should definitely not start en pointe unless your instructor says you are ready, which can be at any age. It's more about your level of experience.
  • Question
    Were do you find the shoes?
    Community Answer
    You can find them at almost every dance supply store. Make sure you ask your ballet teacher(s) if you need help finding a place.
  • Question
    How do I know how much force is needed for larger turns like a triple on pointe?
    Community Answer
    First, make sure you can do a clean single and double turn and that you have practiced them enough on pointe to know how much force you need for them. After you are happy with your single and double turns on pointe, try to open your arms before the turn and pull them in quickly as you start the turn along with the amount of plie you need for a double turn. Everyone is different in terms of the amount of plie you need, so it will take practice to get it right.
  • Question
    Can I do pointe safely without a teacher?
    Danceandcookies
    Community Answer
    No, you need to be taught properly by a ballet teacher. It's not just strength that you need, it's also technique.
  • Question
    Can I go en pointe without a ballet teacher or the help of parents? Is that safe?
    Community Answer
    Having a ballet teacher is a better option, but if you're confident in your abilities and listen to your body, you should be fine.
  • Question
    I don't know if I'm strong enough, but I feel like I'm ready to start pointe. Should I start?
    Buggylu25
    Top Answerer
    Do NOT start pointe without consulting your dance instructor first. They can tell you if you are physically and mentally strong enough to handle pointe training, and what you need to work on in order to start. You can cause severe injuries if you attempt pointe on your own or without instructor approval.
  • Question
    I'm standing on pointe without training or ballet classes. Is that bad for me? I
    Community Answer
    Yes, that is extremely dangerous and you could easily break your ankle or your foot. Your technique, foot strength, and ankle flexibility need to be evaluated by a professional first.
  • Question
    What if it's my first time en pointe?
    Community Answer
    Along with having a sturdy barre or other solid surface to hold onto, you should have somebody there to help you. The first few moments en pointe are critical to the development of the shape of the foot and how it sits in the shoe, so it's very important to have a teacher or experienced individual there to help you stand with the proper alignment.
  • Question
    How can I make my toes strong enough to stand en pointe?
    Community Answer
    You will need the proper shoes to prevent injuries, and also ensure that you are practicing and following your teacher's instructions so you do not hurt yourself.
  • Question
    Do you have to do it with a ballet shoe?
    Musicaltheatreacrodancer
    Community Answer
    Never go en pointe without a proper pointe shoe! It can be very damaging to your feet and ankles.
  • Question
    I stood on pointe with no training! Is that abnormal?
    Musicaltheatreacrodancer
    Community Answer
    Yes, that is not normal. Do not do that again unless you want to destroy your foot structure! It can be very harmful and dangerous to your toes and feet.
  • Question
    My teacher told me I can get fitted for pointe shoes in a few day, are there any way to prepare, and get ready?
    Julia Marriot
    Community Answer
    Enhance your arch. Stand up, in first position, and lift one foot, and point it (still in first position). Now imagine that leg stretches. If your toes face the ground, you are ready. Ankle strengthening exercises also help.
  • Question
    I want to do the en pointe but I don’t have an instructor, ballet shoes or anything associated with ballet. What should I do?
    Julia Marriot
    Community Answer
    Pointe takes many years of ballet classes and intense training to reach. If you are still interested, sign up for ballet classes.
  • Question
    Can I go on pointe without pointe shoes?
    Asia Montgomary
    Community Answer
    You can't. Going on pointe takes 3+ years of proper training, hard work, strength in ankles and more.
  • Question
    Are there any exercises that I can do at home to make my ankles stronger?
    Kamygiac
    Community Answer
    Yes! The classic elevés and relevés are great. Start with your feet close together, parallel (so facing in front of you), and lift up so that your weight is on the ball of your foot, with all 5 toes on the floor. You can do this with a plie before it as well. Do them in both parallel and first position. Try to keep your pelvis tucked under and your shoulders down. The slower you go, the more effective it will be.
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