A separate, dedicated pointe work class is important for our dancers who are ready to transition to this significant milestone in a ballet dancer’s training. It requires specialized instruction for safety and proper technique.
Here is what we will achieve in our Pointe Work Programme
• Physical requirements
It is important for dancers who are ready to go on pointe to strengthen the body. This strength
needs to be done in preparation and then maintained. Training and strengthening not just the feet,
but the entire body is essential because pointe shoes introduce new challenges for the dancer.
Holding a turnout becomes harder, rising onto the pointe shoe is a new challenge, maintaining
correct body alignment and balance. The dedicated pointe classes allow time for the teacher to train
the students how to achieve this.
• Understanding
The dedicated class not only helps prepare and teach students pointe work physically, but also
educates them on anatomy and proper positioning of the foot and ankle and helps them develop a
strong foundation for what is required in a pointe class.
• Focus and concentration
Pointe work requires a high level of focus, concentration, and discipline. A
separate class provides a dedicated environment where dancers can focus solely on pointe work
without distractions, helping them develop the mental and physical stamina required for this
advanced level of dance.
• Injury prevention
Students are lead through exercises which will strengthen their abdominal muscles, legs, ankles and
feet. Teachers have more time to evaluate the students which help to identify and address
weaknesses which would cause a student to be unsafe on pointe. Weaknesses are not always
apparent in the course of a typical ballet class.
• Safety
These factors are important as we put our dancer’s safety above all else. Dancing on pointe puts
significant stress on the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Proper instruction in a separate class helps
dancers learn correct alignment, foot placement, and strengthening exercises to reduce the risk of
injuries, such as sprains, strains, stress fractures, bunions, impingements and tendonitis.
A separate class dedicated to pointe work allows dancers to focus specifically on all the skills above, building a solid foundation for safe and effective pointe work. Thank you for your understanding and support in this important aspect of your child’s ballet training. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
• Equipment
The students will need some equipment to help them with their pointe work training. I have researched the items and put them together here so you find what we need easily and for a good deal
