Pointe work for students is an option when they have met important criteria in technique, age and core strength. Ideally students should have been training in classical ballet for a minimum of three years, taking a minimum of three classes a week, and be able to demonstrate the ability to releve’ with straight knees, step onto a demi-pointe’ with straight knees, and understand how to work their turn out.
Students whose feet do not have enough of an arch or have a limited turn out will have a more difficult time with pointe’ work. The minimum age of the child should be 11. Occasionally there can be exceptions to the age of the student who can start a bit earlier than 11, but not often. At Northland we have made the decision to put our student up on Pointe’ at age 11. This very short time difference will not affect them negatively, and most likely will be the best decision for their body and for their love of pointe’. It is important to listen to your instructor as to when the time is right for each student. It is a mistake to go into pointe’ shoes unprepared.
