From beginning soft shoe work to Professionals en pointe, you need a program designed to help you grow properly into your pointe shoes. An effective, safe and artful pointe work program. 

Just like any artform, dance is forever changing. However the basics and fundamentals of Ballet have not. There is always a new training technique or a new tool to help dancers be more effective and comfortable with their dance abilities. We have created a proven program to assist children who are moving from soft shoe to pointe work. 

We are seeing more and more young children being put up en pointe. Here are some reasons you do not want to go up too early.

The bones of the feet do not fully develop and harden until approximately 13-15 years old. A dancer must be strong enough to protect the bones before they are fully developed.

Be able to hold correct turnout from flat foot to demi-pointe.

Correct turnout is achieved from the hips and not the feet and knees. In the turned out position, the foot must be in line with the kneecap and hip joint. Correct turnout should be easily maintained in demi-pointe. 

Be able to maintain a strong, straight trunk while dancing without any tilt in the pelvis. 

Pointing of feet: she should be able to fully pointe her foot in all steps especially at the barre and then in center without sickling. Your dancer should try to achieve full pointe with stretching because it is required to get en pointe.

Students should have enough strength to push themselves onto half-pointe. This step is harder to do en pointe and a bent leg is usually a sign of weakness or improper step preparation.

If the student frequently needs to rest because of illness or injury, she is not strong enough for the extra demands that pointe work requires.

Try our 4 stage program and protect your dancer from injury and joint problems later in life. Being prepared to go en pointe is vital to a ballet student’s success. 

Stage 1 Soft Shoe– Students must take at least 3 years of ballet instruction and have a firm foundation in Ballet. Understanding the correct movements and ballet terms are also necessary for promoting a healthy pointe student. Students who do pointe work are required to take soft shoes classes as well. This is a crucial step. 

Stage 2 Demi-pointe– After your teacher has evaluated you and decided you have met the criteria to move up to Demi-pointe you will have new responsibilities as a dancer. You must take at least 3 hours of class each week consistently to maintain good habits for your upcoming pointe work. We require this step for every dancer wanting their pointe shoes. Going up en pointe is a serious step in a dancer’s life. We want to be sure they are mentally and physically prepared for the next step. 

What is a Demi Pointe Shoe? Teachers use demi-pointe also called pre pointe, soft block or shankless shoes for pre pointe training. Demi-pointe have a shaped box like a pointe shoe, but no stiff shank in the sole. Wearing demi-pointe shoes give dancers a more gradual transition from ballet soft shoes to Pointe Shoes.

Stage 3 Evaluation for Pointe Shoes- Each dancer must possess the mental and physical attributes that are becoming of a pointe dancer. This will be a formal evaluation by your teacher during your Pre Pointe classes. Once your teacher has determined you are ready to go on pointe, you will meet your teacher and get fitted for your pointe shoes. This step is pivotal for your pointe student. If you dance with the wrong pair you will damage your feet and cause unnecessary pain to your feet and joints. 

Stage 4 En Pointe- You have achieved the final stage. You earned your pointe shoes. Your teacher will ensure you are the appropriate age, have the accurate mental acuity, and are physically prepared for pointe work. You must maintain 3 hours of classes each week to keep your pointe shoes.