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QuestionHow do I know when I'm strong enough to go on pointe?
Geraldine Grace JohnsGeraldine Grace Johns is a Professional Ballerina and the Owner of Grace Ballet in New York and Los Angeles. Geraldine toured through New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea as Jammes in Ken Hill's Original Phantom of the Opera. She has studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in London to become a teacher and taught for the Kudo School of Ballet in Yokohama. Geraldine also ran her own Royal Academy of Dance School in New Zealand before studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Geraldine was a guest coach and Master Class teacher in Toronto for the Canadian Royal Academy of Dance's Dance Challenge in 2018, 2019, and 2020. She was also a guest coach and Master Class teacher for the USA Royal Academy of Dance Challenge in Long Beach, California in 2019 and 2020. Grace Ballet Los Angeles has won recognition as one of 13 Best Ballet Schools in Los Angeles since opening her school. Geraldine is a contract Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies for the Royal Academy of Dance.
Professional Ballerina & Ballet InstructorIt's really your teacher's decision. Usually, the age range is around 11 years old, but not everyone can make it onto pointe. Going on pointe requires many years of training to strengthen your footwork, calves, and feet. -
QuestionCan I still wear pointe shoes if my feet are more angled and less like a box?
Community AnswerYes, you can. In fact, there are models of pointe shoes that are made specifically for angled foot shapes. -
QuestionCan I go on pointe if my second toe is longer than the others?
Community AnswerYes, you can. You will need something extra to put on your big toe, so that you equalize where the weight of your body lies. -
QuestionThe first time you put on pointe shoes, do they hurt?
Community AnswerThey usually feel strange because they are very stiff. It can hurt a bit when you go en pointe, but just wearing the shoes shouldn't be too bad.
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QuestionI am concerned my weight might hinder my readiness for pointe work; what should I do?
Community AnswerIn my experience as an overweight pointe dancer, this concern is often manageable. You should focus on significantly strengthening your core, as this will provide essential support and stability.
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QuestionHow do I get a really good arch?
Community AnswerPerform the exercises outlined in Part 2, Step 3. These will strengthen your feet and help improve your arch. While some individuals naturally possess a greater arch, consistent effort can significantly enhance your flexibility and strength. Focus on diligent practice to maximize your potential.
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QuestionDoes it matter if my feet are small?
Community AnswerIt does but only because the pointe shoes must fit perfectly. If you can find a pair that fits well, then small feet shouldn't be an issue but their strength and your overall body strength still need to be sufficient for going en pointe. -
QuestionI am nervous to ask my teacher about going on pointe. How should I approach this conversation?
Community AnswerYour teacher will likely inform you when you are ready. Instead of asking if you are ready, consider asking when she anticipates you might be ready.
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QuestionMy instructors suggested I go on pointe, and I'm having my feet examined. Am I too young for pointe, and will the doctor likely disapprove?
Community AnswerIf your instructor believes you are ready for pointe, it is likely you are. A doctor typically confirms readiness when your ballet teacher has assessed you as prepared.
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QuestionIt says not to curl your toes when you point, but that part of pointing your toes that's important. What do you mean when you say not to curl your toes?
Community AnswerKeep your toes long when you point your feet. Don't scrunch them up so that the pads of your toes touch the ball of your foot. -
QuestionI am thirteen. Is that too young to go on pointe?
Community AnswerIt is usually safe to start pointe after the ages of 11 to 12. However, you should never go en pointe without your teacher's or instructor's assessment and agreement. En pointe is not for making an at-home decision about unless you don't much care about harming your feet and posture.
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QuestionI'm 15, and I did about two years of ballet as a kid. I would like to follow my dream as a ballet dancer, but do I need to do more?
Community AnswerYou should try to do more classes. Join a ballet class for your age for about two or more years. Ask your teacher questions if you have any. It is not to late to be a ballet dancer.
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QuestionI've never trained in ballet before can I still train on pointe?
Community AnswerYou should do considerable amounts of ballet exercises before you go en pointe, or you risk hurting yourself badly. You also must find a school and teacher before you go en pointe. Your teacher will tell you when you are ready (this will probably take 2-5 years, depending on your age, strength, and how many times per week you do ballet).
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QuestionCan I go on pointe at the age of 9 I have been dancing 2 years?
DreamingDancerCommunity AnswerAbsolutely not. At the age of 9 your feet are not fully developed, meaning pointe training could seriously harm the growth and outcome of your feet. Be patient with your body. -
QuestionCan I teach myself to go on pointe if I taught myself how to dance?
Community AnswerI wouldn't recommend it. Unless you are a trained professional, there's always a possibility that you could get hurt. I would recommend that you join a ballet class and wait to go on pointe until the instructor thinks you're ready.
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QuestionI have terrible balance. Is there any way I can get better?
Community AnswerYes, you can get better by first going on Demi Pointe holding on a bar. Do this twice a day for a week and soon you will get good at balancing.
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QuestionI've never trained in ballet, is it still okay for me to go on pointe?
Community AnswerNo. The training builds up the muscles that you need to go on pointe. If you haven't trained properly, those muscles aren't strong enough, and you could seriously injure yourself.
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QuestionMy daughter is age 11. Her teachers have been recommending she start pointe work. She has been dancing ballet since age 5, is dancing four days per week and wants to do this. I think she is too young?
Community AnswerShe obviously does a lot of dancing, so she should be strong enough. The stronger you are, the less chance there is of hurting yourself. Also, if she wants to do it, she should have the enthusiasm to do things properly, which again decreases her chance of hurting herself. Teachers usually want the best for their students, and are unlikely to encourage your daughter to do something at will hurt her. Talk to the teacher directly, as this will reassure you.
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QuestionWill my wide feet affect how I do en pointe?
Community AnswerYou might get more blisters and it might hurt a tad bit more, but there are different types of padding you can buy to help you.
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QuestionI'm 10 and my ballet teacher says I can go on pointe next year. Should i start practicing now?
Community AnswerYou will find pointe more easy and more enjoyable if you are stronger. Therefore, starting to practice exercises that will strengthen your feet and legs is a good idea. If you start preparing yourself now you are also less likely to hurt yourself, as a lot of injuries come from people pushing themselves when they are not strong enough. Ask your teacher for some exercises. They are also likely to be impressed by your dedication!
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QuestionCan I still go on pointe if I am underweight?
Community AnswerYes, but discuss it with your instructor first.
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QuestionHow can I effectively communicate to my new teacher that I am ready for pointe, given my prior dance experience?
Community AnswerYou should work diligently in class and openly express your interest in starting pointe. If your studio offers a specific pointe preparation class, you might ask to observe or participate on flat to further strengthen your feet.
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QuestionShould I go on pointe if I am a second year ballet student and I haven't asked my instructor to go on pointe?
Community AnswerNever start pointe without permission from a dance teacher. You could put your feet in serious danger.
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QuestionI took a good amount of ballet for as long as I can remember, but I'm not good in pointe work. Why?
DreamingDancerCommunity AnswerPointe work is extremely difficult, so don't be discouraged. Just keep working hard and practicing the things you struggle with, and you will improve!
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QuestionI've started teaching myself pointe at home. Is this dangerous?
Community AnswerAttempting to teach yourself pointe at home without professional guidance is highly dangerous. You should enroll in a reputable ballet school where a qualified instructor can assess your readiness and provide proper training, ensuring you also have correctly fitted pointe shoes and other essential equipment.
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QuestionAm I ready for pointe work if I have been dancing for seven years and am ten years old?
Community AnswerYou may be ready to start pointe work, but it is essential to confirm your readiness with your instructor.
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QuestionI am 72, slim, and danced when young. I have been taking private ballet lessons for eight months; do you think I can go on pointe?
Community AnswerGiven your private lessons, your first step is to discuss this with your teacher. Dancers typically need one to two years of consistent training to develop adequate foot strength. If your teacher determines you are ready, you should also consult a physician to ensure you are medically cleared for pointe work.
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QuestionAm I ready to go on pointe at age 9, having danced for two years?
Community AnswerAt nine years old, your foot bones and structure are likely not fully developed, and two years of dance usually isn't enough to build the required strength and technique unless your training has been highly rigorous. Always await your teacher's guidance to begin pointe work, and once approved, ensure you seek clearance from a physiotherapist. If you are eager to start, discuss your readiness with your teacher.
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QuestionMy ballet teacher suggested I begin demi-pointe this fall. At 10 years old, am I too young for demi-pointe?
Community AnswerYour teacher likely refers to demi-pointe shoes, which prepare you for pointe work without allowing you to go fully en pointe. The position of demi-pointe, rising onto the balls of your feet, is a basic ballet skill you learn early on. At 10, beginning this preparatory training or wearing these shoes is generally appropriate, and your teacher's judgment is key.
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QuestionI am 15 and have been dancing for over four years. My dance teacher says I am close to pointe shoes but then says nothing more; should I be concerned?
Community AnswerIt is unlikely there is an issue. Continue to be patient. If your teacher does not bring it up within a few weeks, you can gently ask, "Have you had any more thoughts about my readiness for pointe shoes?"
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