Oh how I long for ballet pointe shoes...

Oh how I long for ballet pointe shoes...:- Everyday I wake up and think about pointe shoes. Sometimes I am looking for my flip flops and say "Where are my pointe shoes", because that is all I can think about. Every time I get on the internet I look up videos and pictures of ballet pointe shoes. I guess I will have to wait six more months. That is when I might get ballet pointe shoes. The wait is agonizing.

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Reply by Odette

To:- Oh how I long for ballet pointe shoes...

Hello

Nice to hear your enthusiasm for ballet and ballet pointe shoes!

You did not say how old you were and where you are studying.

Is that you in the picture?

Tell us more, we would like to share in your interesting story.

Remember, just like I did before I went en pointe, ballet students MUST take responsibility for their own strengthening prior to beginning pointe work.

Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

Don't leave it to your teacher!

You can watch this pre-pointe video yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).

Use the link below leading to the 'comments' section to continue this conversation thread. Maybe your friends can join in too.

All the best

Odette

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Best Age?

by Julia C.
(Manila)

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Best Age?

I started doing ballet at 12 years old, 4 months till I turn 13. I was just wondering, what is the best age estimate that I will be doing pointes already? I really want it already. I'm following the 12 level classical ballet syllabus. Thanks!

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Reply by Odette

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Best Age?


Remember, just like I did before I went en pointe, ballet students MUST take responsibility for their own strengthening prior to beginning pointe work.

Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

Don't leave it to your teacher!

You can watch this pre-pointe video
yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).

Hello,

Thank you for contacting me, it is a pleasure to hear from you.

For extra guidance to get you prepared for pointe, the video above is very useful. In this video, Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

It won't affect dancers if they start wearing pointe shoes a bit later than everyone else. But it will affect dancers if they start too early, if they have no knowledge of how to prepare.

To be ready for pointe work, you have to study ballet for a long enough time to become secure within the technique to enable you to start pointe. This will include correct posture, foot alignment and core stability.

It's not recommended for dancer's to begin pointe before the age of 10 or 12 as the feet aren't fully developed yet. When you reach the suitable age where it's safe to start, it now just depends on your strength and stability.

Do not feel you should rush into pointe work, it is crucial to be ready. Take a look at, Pointe Ballet Shoes - Are You Ready?, which will give you some extra tips on being ready for pointe.

If you feel as though you are ready for pointe ballet shoes, then assess how long you have studied ballet and how stable you are in your classes. Discuss your thoughts with your teacher and explain your curiosity to start pointe work.

Best Wishes,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page

Too young for ballet pointe shoes - how old must you be?

by rebecca
(monroe US)

Too young for ballet pointe shoes - how old must you be?:- i have a 11 year old ballerina. her dance teacher said she would be able to get her pointe shoes soon. how do i know if she is ready? is there any test i can try?

Rebecca

Concerned parent!

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Reply By Odette

to:- Too young for ballet pointe shoes - how old must you be?

Dear Rebecca

Many thanks for your query. You raised a very important issue which often concerns parents and young dancers so thank you for flagging this up.

Starting to wear ballet pointe shoes is an important phase for a ballerina.

It’s easy to get stressed by not knowing if she’s ready; her teacher should be the one to guide you into the right direction.

Having said that, there are things you and your daughter can be doing to prepare if you want to be totally prepared.

You may have seen me say this in other pages:-

Remember, just like I did before I went en pointe, ballet students MUST take responsibility for their own strengthening prior to beginning pointe work.

Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-pointe strengthening works.

Don't leave it to your teacher!

You can watch this pre-pointe video yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).

I wouldn’t say there is a specific test you can try because there are several things to look at such as:-

correct posture, secure technique and general strength.

It will mainly depend on the stage of her training she is on and whether she has built up enough strength to start pointe work.

One thing which is important, is when she begins pointe, the training load should gradually increase. She should be slowly introduced to pointe work and avoid doing "too much too soon".

The video by Lisa explains all about the pre-pointe preparation phase.

You can certainly do your own research, and all concerned parents should, but also, don't hold back from communicating with the teacher because she is the one who should know whether she's ready.

Many countries like Russia begin pre-pointe training at very young ages. These classes for 5 year olds can be mistaken for actual en-pointe classes as rumours in the ballet world fly around - but it is my belief this is a misnomer.

The classes are to pre-select talented youngsters with potential to develop important muscles, tendons and ligaments in the right way in preparation for en-pointe work at a future time whan the young person's bones have 'ossified'.

Western experts agree that the soft bones of young dancers need to "ossify" and the muscles strengthen before proper training for real en pointe can begin.

You might say a rule of thumb is a young person needs to have had pre-pointe training of 3-to-4 classes a week for one-two-or-three years before the first pointe shoe can go on. This was certainly the practice in my own world renowned school (one of the oldest, most famous and most competitive schools in the world).

Please do not confuse pre-pointe training for real en-pointe. Again, Lisa in the video explains further.

There is a more detailed debate about these issues on www.thefreelibrary.com

here is an extract:-

"In the European academies, the system selects eight- or ten-year-olds with the most suitable bodies for dance........

.....good early training is crucial to the correct alignment of the body and the development of a muscular structure that is strong and properly placed. Pre-pointe training includes checking the students' bare-leg muscles and feet to be sure they are not clenching or gripping the toes.

Socks, not tights, are worn in the early classes, and shoes are held on the feet with elastics, not ribbons, for easy removal when the teacher corrects the student's demi-pointe position".

All the best,

Odette
www.balletdancersguide.com

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Can I Start Pointe?

by Eden
(New Jersey )

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Can I Start Pointe?

Dear Odette,
I have taken 2 years of ballet when i was 7-8 and i am 13 now. In the past four years i have been taking hip-hop/jazz, so, i have dance experience and i know the terms and how to perform the moves. If my ankles are strong enough, can i go on pointe this autumn?

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Reply by Odette

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Can I Start Pointe?


Remember, just like I did before I went en pointe, ballet students MUST take responsibility for their own strengthening prior to beginning pointe work.

Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

Don't leave it to your teacher!

You can watch this pre-pointe video
yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).

Hello Eden,

Thank you for contacting me, it is a pleasure to hear from you.

It won't affect dancers if they start wearing pointe shoes a bit later than everyone else. But it will affect dancers if they start too early, if they have no knowledge of how to prepare.

For extra guidance to get you prepared for pointe, the video above is very useful. In this video, Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

Beginning to wear pointe ballet shoes depends on many factors such as your age, your level and your strength. You have to study ballet for a long enough time to become secure within the technique to enable you to start pointe. You sound like you have a strong dance experience, but it is the technique in ballet that you will need to be strong in to start pointe work. You need strong ankles, yet it will also depend on your posture, foot alignment and core stability.

Do not feel you should rush into pointe work, it is crucial to be ready. Take a look at, Pointe Ballet Shoes - Are You Ready?, which will give you some extra tips on being ready for pointe.

If you feel as though you are ready for pointe ballet shoes, then assess how stable you are in your classes. Discuss your thoughts with your teacher and explain your curiosity to start pointe work.

Best Wishes,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page

Ballet Pointe Shoes - No Experience

by Elle
(kent)

Ballet Pointe Shoes - No Experience

Hey , I have never done pointe work but I used to do ballet a while back , I really want to use pointe shoes and I was wondering if I could teach myself how to dance in them without a teacher teaching me ?xx

Elle xx

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Reply by Odette
To:- Ballet Pointe Shoes - No Experience


Remember, just like I did before I went en pointe, ballet students MUST take responsibility for their own strengthening prior to beginning pointe work.

Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.
Don't leave it to your teacher!

You can watch this pre-pointe video
yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).

Hello Elle,

Thank you for contacting me on ballet pointe shoes, it is great to hear from you.

It is encouraging that you have the commitement to teach yourself. This will be very valuable for when you understand the ways and methods of pointe work, as it takes dedicaton to improve.

However, if you really want to use pointe shoes I strongly suggest you having a teacher to guide you. It is crucial you understand the correct technique for ballet, especially when you wear pointe shoes, so it is best to have someone teaching you to begin with.

In the video above, Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works. I would recommend you listening to the advice given here, as Lisa Howell gives some superb tips for pre pointe.

Best Wishes,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page

Ballet Pointe Shoes - How Much Longer?

by nikita
(america)

Ballet Pointe Shoes - How Much Longer?

How much longer by looking at this picture? I've now danced three year's but advanced quickly. I dance 1:35 2 day's a week but i can't start 3 until i have my ballet pointe shoes. I'm 12 years old and i'm 4,9'' and weigh 72lbs very thin lots of muscle have a six pack so how much longer?

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Reply by Odette

To:- Ballet Pointe Shoes - How Much Longer?


Remember, just like I did before I went en pointe, ballet students MUST take responsibility for their own strengthening prior to beginning pointe work.
Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.
Don't leave it to your teacher!
You can watch this pre-pointe video
yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).


Hello Nikita,

Thank you for contacting me, it is a pleasure to hear from you.

From looking at your picture, I can see you have very supple and nicely arched feet. I also had very flexible and high arched feet which were nice to look at, yet I had to work twice as hard to build the strength for ballet pointe shoes.

For pointe work, you need a balance of flexibility and strength in your feet as they need to be nice and bendy, yet still have enough strength to support you.

It sounds like you are on a good training programme, so I would suggest you follow the guidance of your teachers and ask them how much longer it will be until you are ready for pointe work. Your teachers will have a good understanding of your ability, so should be able to give you a more accurate estimation.

Even if you are not ready to start right away, it will be just as beneficial to do strengthening exercises to get your feet strong enough for pointe work.

Ballet pointe shoes take so much strength in the ankles and metatarsals, so it is cruicial you have enough stability before beginning pointe.

In the video above, Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works. I would recommend you listening to the advice given here, as Lisa Howell gives some superb tips for pre pointe.

Best Wishes,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page

When can I get onto ballet pointe shoes?

by Marlee Berry
(Jonesborough, Tennessee)

When can I get onto ballet pointe shoes?: -

In my school class, our teacher gives us a WHOLE lot of homework! So I had to quit my ballet classes because after I got home I would not get my homework done until midnight or 1 in the morning! So I decided to find videos on youtube to teach myself over breaks and weekends, or when we didn't have as much homework. I got really good when I used youtube! Sometimes I will be able to take an occasional class, but will I ever get on pointe? If so, how do I know I am ready?

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Reply by Odette

To:- When can I get onto ballet pointe shoes?

Hi there Marlee,

First of all, thank you for your submission!

It's a shame you had to quit your ballet classes. I know it must be very difficult to cope with your academic studies as well as your ballet commitments, but all youngsters need to have a balance of some fun as well as hard work.

Perhaps you should try to think about taking some ballet classes again. Even if it's just one or two class a week, at least you would be getting some professional training with a teacher that can guide you and answer all your queries.

In ballet, consistency is the key and having perseverance is very important.

It can be a bit risky trying to teach yourself because it could lead to injuries due to incorrect placement or technique. Ballet is very particular and can be very demanding on the body and the muscles.

I would recommend having ballet classes because your the teacher can correct you and point you to the right direction rather than you trying to do it all yourself. Your teacher should then be able to tell you when you are ready and strong enough to start pointe work.

It sounds as if you're very dedicated to ballet and that devotion is absolutely crucial to every dancer. Keep believing and following your heart, but be safe and look after your body. After all, in dance your body is your tool!

Odette


Remember, just like I did before I went en pointe, ballet students MUST take responsibility for their own strengthening prior to beginning pointe work.

Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.





You can watch this pre-pointe video
yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).




ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Starting Ballet Again?

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Starting Ballet Again?

I'm 15 year's old and when i was younger around 10 and eleven i took ballet for 2 year's and i had to quit. But i've recently been thinking of taking ballet again and moving up to en pointe. How long would i have to take ballet before i could move to pointe, and what are some thing's i should know or have to start pointe?

Thank you.

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Reply by Odette

To:- Ballet Pointe Shoes - Starting Ballet Again?


Remember, just like I did before I went en pointe, ballet students MUST take responsibility for their own strengthening prior to beginning pointe work.

Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

Don't leave it to your teacher!

You can watch this pre-pointe video
yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).

Hello,

Thank you for your query, it is a pleasure to hear from you.

Firstly, it will be to your advantage that you took ballet for 2 years when you were younger. The basic technique of ballet remain with you and therefore, when you start ballet again, the movements should feel familiar to your body which will enable you to progress quicker.

Starting to wear ballet pointe shoes is a very individual stage. It is hard to say how long it would be before you move onto pointe, as it depends on your development, your strength and progress. However, I would suspect it would be no longer than a couple of years.

Starting to wear ballet pointe shoes is an exciting stage. You need to make sure you have the correct fitting pointe shoes which is a crucial element of beginning pointe.

I would advise you to consider pre-pointe. For extra guidance to get you prepared for pointe, the video above is very useful. In this video, Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

All the best,

Odette

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Do I have enough experience?

by Rachael Hoke
(washington)

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Do I have enough experience?

Hi,
I feel like I am ready for pointe shoes but, I have only taken ballet for two years since I was nine. I have a good arch and good balance. I'm just scared to ask my teacher. Since last spring was my first year doing pre-pointe and I've heard that you need at least 2 years in pre-pointe classes. Please help!
Sincerly,
Rachael

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Ballet Pointe Shoes - Do I have enough experience?

Reply by Odette


Remember, just like I did before I went en pointe, ballet students MUST take responsibility for their own strengthening prior to beginning pointe work.

Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

Don't leave it to your teacher!

You can watch this pre-pointe video
yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).

Hello Rachael,

Thank you for contacting me on ballet pointe shoes, it is a pleasure to hear from you.

If you feel like you are ready for pointe shoes, then perhaps you just need some extra guidance to get you prepared for pointe. The video above is very useful because Australian dancer, Lisa Howell, has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

My next suggestion would be to ask your teacher about the possibility of starting pointe. Try not to be scared, perhaps approach her before or after your lesson and ask how long it would be before you would be able to begin pointe. Also ask what you can do in the meantime to help with the beginnings of pointe work. It is good to have this close communication with your teacher, so don't feel afraid, that is what your teacher is here for.

Beginning to wear pointe ballet shoes depends on many factors such as your age, your level and your strength. It's not recommended for dancer's to begin pointe before the age of 10 or 12 as the feet aren't fully developed yet. When you reach the suitable age where it's safe to start, it now just depends on your strength and stability.

You have to study ballet for a long enough time to become secure within the technique to enable you to start pointe. This will include correct posture, foot alignment and core stability. It is encouraging to hear you have a good arch and balance, these are very important elements of being ready for pointe shoes. If you feel stable in your ballet classes and confident on demi-pointe, then this is a sign that you could be ready for pointe shoes.

Do not feel you should rush into pointe work, it is crucial to be ready. Take a look at, Pointe Ballet Shoes - Are You Ready?, which will give you some extra tips on being ready for pointe.

If you feel you are ready, then be confident and believe in yourself. Perhaps you are ready for the next level and in that case, I can give you the information that you need to progress onwards.

The secret to success is mental discipline as well as physical ability. Along with the three physical secrets, the Seven Secrets, on the 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page, will give you the key answers of how to thrive in the ballet world.

Best Wishes,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page

Ballet Pointe Shoes - How Should I know I'm Ready?

Ballet Pointe Shoes - How Should I know I'm Ready?

Thu Nov 24 14:57:34 2011
Did you ask your teacher if she thought you were ready for pointe or did she tell you?
thanks xxx

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I have said me feet are pretty small, but i have flat feet. My arch is not as nice as others, and I don't know how to tell if I'm ready, could you give me some tips?

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Reply by Odette
To:- Ballet Pointe Shoes - How Should I know I'm Ready?



Remember, just like I did before I went en pointe, ballet students MUST take responsibility for their own strengthening prior to beginning pointe work.
Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.
Don't leave it to your teacher!
You can watch this pre-pointe video
yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).


Hello Isabelle,

Thank you for contacting me it is great to hear from you. In this video above, Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

Every dancer has different shape feet for ballet, and although high arches do give a nice line for pointe shoes, it is not a crucial element. Often, it takes more time to build strength for dancers with high arches as their feet are very flexible. As long as you work with what you have and use your feet to the maximum, that is what matters most.

To start wearing pointe shoes, your demi pointe work must be very strong. You should aim for all the rises and releves you do in ballet to be secure and stable, so that when you come to pointe work your feet are active and strong.

My teacher guided me when I was ready for pointe, so I followed her direction. There was a certain level in the class at my dance school when were allowed to start pointe, so when I reached that level, my teacher told me and I went out to find some pointe shoes, also under her guidance.

Therefore, you are never on your own in ballet and your teacher is always there to help you when you are younger. So, as well as taking the initiative yourself, ask your teacher and she will guide you too.

Best wishes,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Start Sooner?

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Start Sooner?

Hey!
My name is Analese, I started ballet in august 2009. I am now 11.This year I got into the pre-point class. My teacher said that girls most of the time get on at 10-13 if they have been doing ballet for about 4-6 years. Is there any way for me to get on sooner?


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Reply by Odette

To:- Ballet Pointe Shoes - Start Sooner?

Hello Analese,

Thank you for your query, it is lovely to hear from you.

Starting to wear ballet pointe shoes is a big step for every dancer. I understand what your teacher is saying because to be ready for pointe work, you have to study ballet for a long enough time to become secure within the technique.

Beginning to wear pointe ballet shoes depends on many factors such as your age, your level and your strength.

You may be able to get onto pointe sooner depending on how you progress and develop in the next few years. Focus on securing the correct posture, foot alignment and core stability. But don't feel as if you need to rush into pointe work, as it is crucial to be ready.

Remember, everyone is individual and therefore each person determines when they are ready for pointe. It won't affect dancers if they start wearing ballet pointe shoes a bit later than everyone else, but it will affect dancers if they start too early.

If you feel as though you are ready for pointe ballet shoes, then assess how stable you are in your classes. Dancing with ballet pointe shoes is much more challenging than wearing ballet flat shoes.

Discuss your thoughts with your teacher and explain your curiosity to start pointe work.

Take a look at, Pointe Ballet Shoes - Are You Ready?, which will give you some extra tips on being ready for pointe.

All the best,

Odette

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Dreaming to do Pointe!

by Maureen
(Roanoke, VA)

How long till I can start pointe?

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Dreaming to do Pointe!

So I'm 16 and it has always been my dream to do pointe!! I have finally gotten the opportunity to start dancing now. I am a junior in high school and I am worried that if i start ballet now, I will not be able to start pointe before I leave for college after I graduate from high school. I'm sure that I would be able to find a dance studio around the college I attend, but I'm not sure if my family will have the money to pay for me to dance while I'm in college. So, what I am wondering is... If i start ballet now... Is there a chance that I could start pointe before I leave home to go away to college? And, does it really depend on how naturally strong I am? Or do you have to wait a certain number of years to start pointe? Thank you!!

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Reply by Odette

To:- Ballet Pointe Shoes - Dreaming to do Pointe!

Hi Maureen,

Thank you very much for contacting me, it's lovely to hear from you.


Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

You can watch this pre-pointe video
yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).


You will find it helpful to look at this pre-pointe video as it will give you an insight to pointe work and guide you through the strength that's required.

Beginning to wear ballet pointe shoes does depends on many factors such as your age, your level and your strength. It's not recommended for dancer's to begin pointe before the age of 10 or 12 as the feet aren't fully developed yet. You are at an age where it's safe to start so it now just depends on you strength and ability. You have to had studied ballet for a long enough time to become secure within the technique to enable you to start pointe.

I love your enthusiasm for pointe but always remember to think about your safety. You can't rush into pointe work, it's a big and gradual stage for every dancer. You're teacher should be able to guide you and let you know when you will be ready.

You need to aim to secure your strength in ballet in order to have the stability to start pointe. Focus on maintaining correct posture, foot alignment and building up core stability.

It's hard to say how long it will be until you start pointe because it depends on how many classes you're having and how you progress.

Right now, you need to focus on the present and enjoy dancing despite your worries about if you'll ever get onto pointe. You've finally got the opportunity to start dancing so make the most of it! I bet starting dancing for you was a dream so if you've made that happen I'm sure you can make pointe work happen too.

Keep working hard in ballet and keep that motivation of ballet pointe shoes in your mind.

All the best,

Odette