ArtWorks Academy now has students approaching the age where they start to ask about pointe. For most young ballerinas, this is something they strive for from the time they begin ballet. At ArtWorks Academy we seriously consider the safety of our students as we consider who will begin pointe work. Twenty years ago it was common for 8 and 10 year olds to begin pointe work, some places still do start kids that young; but in the last 10 years there has been an abundance of research on the impact of starting pointe work too early. In 2009 the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science published a paper that laid out very clear guidelines for starting pointe training. The guidelines are as follows:
1. Not before age 12.
2. If the student is not anatomically sound…do not allow pointe work.
3. If she is not truly pre-professional, discourage pointe training.
4. If she has weak trunk and pelvic (“core”) muscles or weak legs, delay pointe training.
5. If the student is hyper mobile in the feet and ankles, delay pointe training.
6. If ballet classes are only once a week, discourage pointe work.
7. If ballet classes are twice a week, and none of the above applies, begin in the fourth year of training. (Weiss, et. al., 92)
Pointe is an important part of ballet training for a dancer who wishes to pursue ballet in college or professionally, it is a wonderful experience for any dancer. Our faculty will carefully evaluate any student who wishes to start pointe work. Evaluation of pointe dancers includes:
1. A balance test
2. A strength test
3. Terminology tests
4. Posture and placement evaluations
To begin pointe work, students must be enrolled in two ballet classes per week and the appropriate level of pointe or pre-pointe. Students will also be required to have their feet and ankles evaluated by a medical professional to determine the development of the bones and joints.
Dancing “en pointe” is an amazing experience! We want all of our young ballerinas to develop the strength and technique to start pointe training, but the safety of our students is our top priority.
Weiss, David S. MD, et. al. “When Can I Start Pointe Work?: Guidelines for Initiating Pointe Training.” Journal of Dance Medicine and Science 13 (2009): 90-92.
