3 Signs They Might Be Ready
Every ballet dancer dreams of the day they can move up to Pointe. This is a big step and one that should not be taken before the dancer is ready. But how do you know when your child is ready to start Pointe? This is a question that many parents have, and we have some tips on how to know when the time is right.
Physical Maturity
Starting pointe isn’t only determined by skill but also if your body is physically ready. The bones in the feet sometimes do not finish developing until a child’s late teens or early twenties. It’s important that a dancer doesn’t start pointe work when their bones are too soft, as doing so can result in long term damage. That said, a young dancer may look at starting pointe as long as the introduction is gradual and supervised by a knowledgeable instructor.
Strength and Technique
Pointe work requires a lot of strength. Often studios will offer pointe preparation classes to help ease the transition and build strength in a dancer’s feet, ankles, and legs. Core strength is also incredibly important to help lift and stabilize while in pointe.
Proper technique and good habits are also a must before your child starts pointe. Your child should be able to:
- Hold a turnout
- Keep their body in line
- Demonstrate correct use of a plie
- Releve and pique up to a balance
Commitment and Attitude
Most instructors require a dancer to have at least two to four years of ballet training before they’ll allow them to move onto pointe. This is because pointe should only be added once a dancer has a strong foundation of classical ballet technique to minimize the risk of injury.
Attitude also plays a large part in the decision to move to pointe. Pointe requires your child to be attentive, diligent, and reliable. If they aren’t ready to put in the work, they risk injuring themselves.
If you’re worried about your child starting too early, it’s always better to wait. If you have questions, talk with your dance instructor! They’ll be able to pull from experience and help determine if your child is ready.
Want to Read More About Dance?
Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.
Why Nan’s School of Dance?
At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.
We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!
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