What Age Should I Wear Pointe Shoes?

Some parents may be concerned as to when their little dancer should start wearing pointe shoes. There is no specific age that restricts your child from wearing pointe ballet shoes. Around age twelve, most students are prepared to dance in pointe shoes but it's important to evaluate the strength of the student. It is possible to start Pointe work at an earlier age with the consent of an orthopedic doctor. The development of the ankles and strength of the muscles play a key role in whether or not the student is ready for pointe shoes. It is important to develop the muscles in the back, legs, and feet in order to be ready to work on Pointe work. It is also important, especially in young dancers, to protect bones that are still growing.

Putting too much pressure on growth plates and brittle bones can cause problems later down the line. It can also cause deformities of the bones in the feet. It is important to focus on technique and strength before trying Pointe work. Technique classes are essential in developing muscles and bone strength, another reason why it's near impossible to put a specific age on pointe shoes. If you or your student has just recently started ballet lessons, I do not recommend starting Pointe work. In order to gauge whether or not you are ready for Pointe work, one should be able to do double pirouettes on both sides and a strong penche in the middle, at the very least. The student must also have the ability to maintain proper ballet position, as well as balance properly in releve.

Another thing that is important is talking to your instructor. An instructor can give important insight on what needs improvement, how to achieve certain goals, and whether or not they believe you or your student are ready for pointe ballet shoes. They can also provide additional techniques that can be used to strengthen muscles and bones in the ankles, legs, back, and abdomen in preparation for Pointe work. Once you or your student have put in the required work and you have decided that its time to start working on Pointe work, your ballet will take on a whole new level of grace and beauty. Dancing en pointe is an important goal in every ballerina's life and through hard work, dedication and proper education, it's a goal that you or your little dancer can achieve in due time.

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