Ballet Pointe Shoes - Help with Starting Pointe

by Dancer4ever
(United States)

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Help with Starting Pointe: -

My teacher said my feet are ready so I will be starting when I turn 12. That is the age limit at are school.

Do you think this is a proper age or to early? And do you think I should use a new pair of pointe shoes or used pair from my cousin? She said it is good to break in your own.

I've always wanted to do pointe but I'm a little scared about my feet.

Also I think my teacher looked at my feet when I was 10/11. Do you think she should check again?

D4E
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Reply by Odette

to Ballet Pointe Shoes - Help with Starting 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,

Thank you for your ballet pointe shoes query, it is great to hear from you.

Pointe work is a whole new phase for dancers, it is an exciting time yet I understand you can feel a little scared. Do not worry; starting pointe will be a very gradual process where you will be able to strengthen the feet and ankles, whilst also gather your confidence and balance on pointe.

If you are looking for some extra guidance to get you prepared for pointe work, then you will find the video above very useful. In this video, Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

The age of 12 is a fine age to start, as I also began pointe around that age.

I would definitely advise you to use a new pair of ballet pointe shoes. It will not be good for your feet to use a second hand pair of shoes, especially if you have never done pointe before. Each dancer’s feet are individual so we all require different shapes and sizes of shoes; therefore you need to find your own personal pair that fit ideally to your feet.

I would suggest getting your ballet pointe shoes personally fitted, as it is so important they fit your foot correctly. You want to be aware of the width, length and shape. I expect if you go to dance shop that sells pointe shoes, the people in the shop will help you fit the shoes.

It is great that you are listening closely to the advice of your teacher. If you still feel slightly apprehensive about beginning pointe work, then talk to teacher and I’m sure she will reassure you and guide you along the process.

Good luck and I am always here to answer your questions!

All the best,

Odette