Are you Ready For Pointe Work?

Take a look at this checklist to find out. Keep in mind. You should talk with your teacher and consider coming in for a Pointe Readiness Screening to make sure you are ready for pointe at barre and get exercises to help you continue to strengthen your ankles for centre! 

€      At least 11 years old. 

Going en pointe puts a lot of pressure on the bones of your foot. It is important that your foot bones are close or fully devlopped before you begin pointe work to avoid boney changes or injury. 

€      Good Ankle ROM

You need to have good ankle range of motion, especially your pointe (first picture), before you go en pointe. Otherwise you will struggle to get up on your toes and stay on your box.  

€      15 Single Leg Releves

Pointe work is a lot of tiny releves. You need to make sure your calf is strong enough and your ankles do not wobble. Best method to see if you are ready is to do at least 15 continuous single leg releves with a very light touch on the barre and without winging or sickling. 

€      Single Pirouette 

You want to be very stable en pointe, or you risk rolling your ankle. Looking at your pirouette gives an idea of your core strength and overall stability, Try doing a clean single pirouette landing in forth position. 

€      Airplane Balance 

Of course balance is important. Just like the pirouette, the Airplane balance will test your strength and stability of your leg muscles. It is very important to have lower body strength and control before beginning pointe work. Try the airplane by going into a flat back arabesque (warrior 3) and trying to plie and touch your fingertips to the ground. Then return to airplane position before you plie again. Try to complete 3-5 plies without falling over. 

Don’t get discouraged if you are struggling to check all the boxes. Remember pointe work is a continuum. Sometimes you need a little bit more stability or strength before you begin. Other times  you can start pointe work does not mean you are ready to work in centre or perform en pointe. Safety is the goal! You can come see us for Pointe Readiness and Performance Optimization appointment to keep you on track to your goal!