When can I start pointe?

Kristin Chenoweth · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 2

I am thirteen years old, and I am going to start ballet soon. Well, I've already taken some ballet lessons, on and off...about six to nine months in all. When do you think I'll be able to start pointe? In, like, two years? I know that most don't start until age fourteen or fifteen. Also, I've been taking all-around dance lessons (a little tap, a little jazz, a little modern, a little hip-hop, and a little ballet-actually it's mostly ballet) for three months, too, so that makes About nine months to a year. My dance teacher says that I have a magnificent arch-better than my dance teacher's actually.

How long do you think it might take for me to be able to dance en pointe?

primaballerina175 · Joined: 10 Sep 2006 Posts: 600 Location: On stage.

If you have taken not even a year in ballet then it will be a whle bfore you start dancing on pointe. I would say about two years at the least. But it also depends on wat your teacher says and if she says you are ready then you are ready.

If you need anymore help you can Private message me. :D

Much dancing love,
PB175

pr · Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Posts: 1011 Location: Göteborg, Sweden

Welcome Kristin Chenoweth! :D

lohaze77 · Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 4

you have to be currently dancing for atleast three years before you can start pointe. but if your instructor things that you're ready, then go for it. but your ankles have to be fully developed.

pr · Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Posts: 1011 Location: Göteborg, Sweden

Welcome lohaze77! :D

BDCBallerina · Joined: 26 Jun 2007 Posts: 24 Location: On the Dance Floor

For most people three years is about right, Your feet need to be strong and ready if not, you can do permanent damage to your feet. It may be frustrating not being able to dance en pointe, but you'll get there. Your instructors will know when your ready. Trust them, even if you think your ready you might not be. You can ask for an approximate estimate on when they think you'll be able to start. At my current school we typically start pointe at age 13, but it varies among schools. A friend of mine goes to a school that's director has studied with The NYC Ballet, The Metropolitan Opera, The Joffrey Ballet and others. She also taught at Princeton Ballet and now owns Bainbridge Ballet. People say that it's absurd that she allows her students to go on pointe at age 11, but I think she knows what she's talking about if you just look at her credentials! I'm thinking about switching, to go to her school!

primaballerina175 · Joined: 10 Sep 2006 Posts: 600 Location: On stage.

i don't think it is that bad that students go on pointe at age 11. Some may start younger then that.

Welcome toDF BDCBallerina :cheerleader: