Pointe Work Requirements

Pointe Work Policy

This policy was created to insure that 100% of our students will be fully ready to begin pointe work with a minimum of struggle and a maximum of safety. Children develop at different rates. It is really important not to rush this very important step in the training process. Patience is the key here for the best results long term.

Here are the specific criteria that a student will be required to meet before beginning pointe work at the Academy of Dance.

- A student must be age 10, minimum, by January of the school year in which their pointe training will begin.
- A student must have a strong torso and correct ballet placement.
- A student must be able to pointe her feet fully with completely straight, stretched legs.
- A student must be able to stand on a 3/4 pointe position with completely straight, stretched legs in her technique shoes.

Students will have to meet all of the above criteria before they will begin pointe work. Please remember that this policy has been instituted to enhance your child’s experience in ballet. There is nothing more disheartening than a young lady who is struggling valiantly to get on pointe, but not succeeding in spite of a lot of effort.

Dancers in Ballet B have a Pre-pointe class in their schedule. In this class, they will work on exercises specifically designed to ready them for Pointe work. They will be wearing their regular leather ballet shoes for this class. First year Ballet C dancers will usually go on pointe at this juncture in their training. This will be determined on an individual basis by the Director of the Academy (with the parent's permission).

Parents, our entire faculty respectfully requests that you explain to your child that it is important to be patient in the pursuit of excellence. Also, that it is important to trust your teachers and mentors in life. Our sole purpose at this school is to further each dancer’s goals and dreams in every way possible. As you know, the strongest fortresses are always built on a sound foundation.