Pre-Pointe & Pointe
Pre & Beginner Pointe
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-recommendation only-
Instructor: Zoe
● Dancers may begin pre-pointe (with recommendation from faculty) at the age of 11.They are expected to complete between 1-3 years of pre-pointe before starting pointe.
● Includes pre and beginner pointe - barre only - may incorporate low-impact center work
● Designed for dancers in the process of building necessary strength for more advanced pointework
● This class does not have a dance in the recital. All class time is spent building strength, technique, and familiarity with the shoes
● L’Ecole de Ballet will not place a student en pointe if they are not able to execute the required strength tasks: view checklist for overview
Intermediate Pointe
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-by recommendation only-
Instructor: Zoe or Clarissa
● Designed for pointe dancers who are comfortable stepping away from the barre for medium impact center work
● Designed for dancers in the process of building necessary strength for more advanced pointework
● Includes progressions towards more advanced work (ex: may step up to sous sous or passe to
prepare for pique turns)
● L’Ecole de Ballet will not place a student en pointe if they are not able to execute the required strength tasks: view checklist for overview
Advanced Pointe
-
-by recommendation only-
Instructor: Clarissa
This class will be run as an advanced ballet class with the expectation that pointe work is executed with precision and technique, and that the dancer has the strength and experience to maintain those expectations without injury.
Pre-Pointe Information
What is pre pointe?
Pre Pointe is a pointe preparation method involving softer shoes. Advancing into pointe shoes is entirely dependent upon toe, foot, and ankle strength. With pre-pointe shoes, students experience the feeling of a stiff box, similar to a a pointe shoe, but without the rigid shank on the soul of the foot. This trains the toes, feet, and ankles to become used to this type of shoe without the danger of standing en pointe with muscles and bone structure that are not yet ready to handle it.
My dancer is recommended for a pre-pointe or pointe class. What is the difference, and what shoes should they get?
All of our dancers start out in pre-pointe shoes and are recommended at the discretion of L’Ecole staff. These are crafted differently than flat ballet slippers and designed as an in-between training shoe to help ready the feet for pointe work. Dancers transition into pointe shoes at different times depending upon age, the structure of their feet, posture, and strength. It is typical to spend 1 - 2 years in pre-pointe shoes before getting pointe shoes. Transitioning into pointe shoes involves very specific technical expectations for the dancer’s bone structure and strength.
When will I go en pointe or move up?
Students are closely monitored by staff as they are working on demi-pointe or pointe at all levels. A few things we look for in terms of pointe readiness are:
the dancer never “sickles” their feet or allows their weight to lean outward towards towards the pinky toe while on relevé
consistent weekly training in order to build and maintain strength in the toes, feet, and ankles
the ability to balance on relevé on one foot for an extended period of time without wobbling
strong core muscles allowing the dancer to “pull up” out of the shoe
Overall, when looking at strength for pointework, please view the PDF above, titled “What Do I Need To Do?” in order to understand the basic criteria for strength and flexibility.
We work with our in-house Performing Arts Athletic Trainer, Amanda Donahue, in order to conduct pointe readiness screenings. We encourage you to email us with any questions!
I bought my shoes…can I sew them?
If you have been newly recommended for a pointe or pre-pointe class you must check the fit of your new shoes with Tiana, Zoe, or Amy before sewing them.
How do I sew my shoes?
The video linked below is a great resource! We can also meet with you and help you out when it is time to sew that first pair of shoes!