Q&A for How to Tell if You Are Ready to Go on Pointe

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  • Question
    How do I know when I'm strong enough to go on pointe?
    Geraldine Grace Johns
    Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
    Geraldine Grace Johns is a Professional Ballerina and the Owner of Grace Ballet in New York and Los Angeles. Geraldine toured through New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea as Jammes in Ken Hill's Original Phantom of the Opera. She has studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in London to become a teacher and taught for the Kudo School of Ballet in Yokohama. Geraldine also ran her own Royal Academy of Dance School in New Zealand before studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Geraldine was a guest coach and Master Class teacher in Toronto for the Canadian Royal Academy of Dance's Dance Challenge in 2018, 2019, and 2020. She was also a guest coach and Master Class teacher for the USA Royal Academy of Dance Challenge in Long Beach, California in 2019 and 2020. Grace Ballet Los Angeles has won recognition as one of 13 Best Ballet Schools in Los Angeles since opening her school. Geraldine is a contract Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies for the Royal Academy of Dance.
    Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
    Expert Answer
    It's really your teacher's decision. Usually, the age range is around 11 years old, but not everyone can make it onto pointe. Going on pointe requires many years of training to strengthen your footwork, calves, and feet.
  • Question
    Can I still wear pointe shoes if my feet are more angled and less like a box?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. In fact, there are models of pointe shoes that are made specifically for angled foot shapes.
  • Question
    Can I go on pointe if my second toe is longer than the others?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. You will need something extra to put on your big toe, so that you equalize where the weight of your body lies.
  • Question
    The first time you put on pointe shoes, do they hurt?
    Community Answer
    They usually feel strange because they are very stiff. It can hurt a bit when you go en pointe, but just wearing the shoes shouldn't be too bad.
  • Question
    I am afraid I weigh too much, what do I do?
    Community Answer
    I'm an overweight Pointe dancer. Honestly, it's not too bad. Just work on really strengthening your core, that will help big time.
  • Question
    How do I get a really good arch?
    Community Answer
    Do lots of exercises like in Part 2, Step 3. This will make your feet strong so you can make your arches better. Some people are born lucky, with really good arches, and some people will never be able to get really good arches no matter how much they work. The most important thing is to work at it, so as to improve.
  • Question
    Does it matter if my feet are small?
    Community Answer
    It does but only because the pointe shoes must fit perfectly. If you can find a pair that fits well, then small feet shouldn't be an issue but their strength and your overall body strength still need to be sufficient for going en pointe.
  • Question
    I'm nervous to ask my teacher if I should go on pointe? What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Your teacher will probably let you know when you are ready, but in the meantime, you can ask when she thinks you will be ready instead of IF you are ready.
  • Question
    I am ten years old, and my dance instructors asked me to go on pointe. I am going to get my feet examined. Am I too young, and will the doctor say no?
    Community Answer
    If your instructor thinks that you can go on pointe, then you probably can. Your doctor is likely to say yes if your ballet teacher thinks you are ready.
  • Question
    It says not to curl your toes when you point, but that part of pointing your toes that's important. What do you mean when you say not to curl your toes?
    Community Answer
    Keep your toes long when you point your feet. Don't scrunch them up so that the pads of your toes touch the ball of your foot.
  • Question
    I am thirteen. Is that too young to go on pointe?
    Community Answer
    It is usually safe to start pointe after the ages of 11 to 12. However, you should never go en pointe without your teacher's or instructor's assessment and agreement. En pointe is not for making an at-home decision about unless you don't much care about harming your feet and posture.
  • Question
    I'm 15, and I did about two years of ballet as a kid. I would like to follow my dream as a ballet dancer, but do I need to do more?
    Community Answer
    You should try to do more classes. Join a ballet class for your age for about two or more years. Ask your teacher questions if you have any. It is not to late to be a ballet dancer.
  • Question
    I've never trained in ballet before can I still train on pointe?
    Community Answer
    You should do considerable amounts of ballet exercises before you go en pointe, or you risk hurting yourself badly. You also must find a school and teacher before you go en pointe. Your teacher will tell you when you are ready (this will probably take 2-5 years, depending on your age, strength, and how many times per week you do ballet).
  • Question
    Can I go on pointe at the age of 9 I have been dancing 2 years?
    DreamingDancer
    Community Answer
    Absolutely not. At the age of 9 your feet are not fully developed, meaning pointe training could seriously harm the growth and outcome of your feet. Be patient with your body.
  • Question
    Can I teach myself to go on pointe if I taught myself how to dance?
    Community Answer
    I wouldn't recommend it. Unless you are a trained professional, there's always a possibility that you could get hurt. I would recommend that you join a ballet class and wait to go on pointe until the instructor thinks you're ready.
  • Question
    I have terrible balance. Is there any way I can get better?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can get better by first going on Demi Pointe holding on a bar. Do this twice a day for a week and soon you will get good at balancing.
  • Question
    I've never trained in ballet, is it still okay for me to go on pointe?
    Community Answer
    No. The training builds up the muscles that you need to go on pointe. If you haven't trained properly, those muscles aren't strong enough, and you could seriously injure yourself.
  • Question
    My daughter is age 11. Her teachers have been recommending she start pointe work. She has been dancing ballet since age 5, is dancing four days per week and wants to do this. I think she is too young?
    Community Answer
    She obviously does a lot of dancing, so she should be strong enough. The stronger you are, the less chance there is of hurting yourself. Also, if she wants to do it, she should have the enthusiasm to do things properly, which again decreases her chance of hurting herself. Teachers usually want the best for their students, and are unlikely to encourage your daughter to do something at will hurt her. Talk to the teacher directly, as this will reassure you.
  • Question
    Will my wide feet affect how I do en pointe?
    Community Answer
    You might get more blisters and it might hurt a tad bit more, but there are different types of padding you can buy to help you.
  • Question
    I'm 10 and my ballet teacher says I can go on pointe next year. Should i start practicing now?
    Community Answer
    You will find pointe more easy and more enjoyable if you are stronger. Therefore, starting to practice exercises that will strengthen your feet and legs is a good idea. If you start preparing yourself now you are also less likely to hurt yourself, as a lot of injuries come from people pushing themselves when they are not strong enough. Ask your teacher for some exercises. They are also likely to be impressed by your dedication!
  • Question
    Can I still go on pointe if I am underweight?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but discuss it with your instructor first.
  • Question
    What if I've been dancing for 8 years and I can walk on my toes but can't go on on pointe because I switched studios? How do I tell my teacher I'm ready?
    Community Answer
    I would work extremely hard in class and show an interest in pointe. If your studio has a specific pointe class, ask if you could try it out on flat to strengthen your feet more.
  • Question
    Should I go on pointe if I am a second year ballet student and I haven't asked my instructor to go on pointe?
    Community Answer
    Never start pointe without permission from a dance teacher. You could put your feet in serious danger.
  • Question
    I took a good amount of ballet for as long as I can remember, but I'm not good in pointe work. Why?
    DreamingDancer
    Community Answer
    Pointe work is extremely difficult, so don't be discouraged. Just keep working hard and practicing the things you struggle with, and you will improve!
  • Question
    I am 16 years old and I began to teach myself at home, is that dangerous?
    Community Answer
    Teaching yourself to dance en Pointe at home by yourself is pretty dangerous. Go to a ballet school/studio and your feet will thank you. Also, make sure that you have proper equipment.
  • Question
    Are my feet ready if I have been dancing for 7 years and I am ten years old?
    Community Answer
    You will likely be ready to start pointe, but you should check with your instructor to be sure.
  • Question
    I am 72 years of age and slim. I danced when young and been having private ballet lessons for 8 months. Do you think it is possible for me to dance on pointe?
    Community Answer
    If you are having private lessons, talk to your teacher. Usually, you need at least a year or two of training to make sure your feet are strong. If your teacher does think you're ready, you should get a physician to examine you as well and make sure you're up to it.
  • Question
    Can I go on Pointe at the age of 9? I have been dancing for 2 years.
    Community Answer
    At 9 years old the bones and structure of your feet are not fully developed. Also, after only two years of dance, you are unlikely to have the strength and technique unless you have been dancing intensely. Always wait till your teacher tells you to go on Pointe, and when you are told make sure you get a check by a physiotherapist. If you are super eager to go on Pointe and many of your classmates are also, try asking your teacher.
  • Question
    I am 10 years old. My ballet teacher says I'm the best student and says I should be able to start demi pointe this fall. Am I too young?
    Community Answer
    Demi pointe is different to full pointe. She may mean demi pointe shoes, which prepare you for pointe shoes but do not actually let you go on pointe. Demi pointe itself is just standing really high on the balls of your feet, and you start doing it when you start ballet. It shouldn't hurt you, nor are you too young. If your teacher considers you are ready, then you are ready.
  • Question
    I am 15 and I've been dancing for over 4 years, My dance teacher keeps saying I'm close to my pointe shoes, but then says nothing more, could there be something wrong?
    Community Answer
    Probably not. Just try to be patient. If a few weeks pass without her saying anything, casually bring it up again. Just say, "Hey, I was wondering if you thought anymore about me getting my pointe shoes?"
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