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

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.

Yes, you can. In fact, there are models of pointe shoes that are made specifically for angled foot shapes.

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.

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.

I'm an overweight Pointe dancer. Honestly, it's not too bad. Just work on really strengthening your core, that will help big time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Yes, but discuss it with your instructor first.

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.

Never start pointe without permission from a dance teacher. You could put your feet in serious danger.

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!

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.

You will likely be ready to start pointe, but you should check with your instructor to be sure.

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.

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.

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.

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?"