Ballet Pointe Shoes - Should I Ask My Teacher?

by Alexa Nicole
(Shelton, WA)

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Should I Ask?

Hello Odette,
I have been dancing for about 2 years now but when I was little I took some ballet. I was wondering when you started pointe and if you think it would be okay for me to ask my teacher. I am 11 right now and I would be 12 when pointe classes start. I believe I am ready for pointe. I have strong muscles and ankles. I am actually kinda afraid of what she might say though. She trained with some really important people in the ballet world. When I am older I am hoping to be a professional dancer.

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Reply by Odette
To:- Ballet Pointe Shoes - Should I Ask?


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 Alexa,
Thank you for your message, it is great to hear from you. I started pointe work when I was 11 years old at my local ballet school. It was just once a week very short and beginner lessons, until I joined a vocational ballet school at aged 12 and I started to take more pointe lessons as part of my training. Still at this stage, it was a very basic start where we focused a lot at the barre to build the strength in our ankles.

You can take a look at the video above which will give you all the key information for beginning pointe. It is worth looking into the Ebook to give you a head start and correct knowlege for when you start pointe.

Lots of young girls have asked me whether to talk to their teacher about pointe work, so you can read on my site about their stories and the advice I gave.

I know you must feel afraid to ask, but you can find the courage to do it and it will be so helpful for you. You can see what more you need to work on, as well as when you might be on track to start pointe.

I think it is always good to be able to approach your ballet teachers throughout your time as a ballet dancer. They are there to guide you, mentor you and help you progress. Your ballet teacher has been through all these experiences too, so do not feel scared to ask what you are wishing to say!

I had to push myself many times to speak up and talk to my teachers. I felt really nervous and hesistant, but you can do it and you feel more confident after.

Go for it and believe in yourself.

Best wishes,
Odette