Expert: Connie - 10/6/2008

Question
When should children be put in Pointe shoes?  How long should they be in them at one time (when just beginning)  and is their special pre-training (for muscle development, strenght and endurance) and shoes that they should be doing/wearing before starting Pointe Classes?

Answer
At the Vaganova Academy in Russia children are put into pointe shoes at the young age of nine.  In America, the average age is closer to twelve.  When just beginning the really aren't usually in them for longer than half an hour.  The pre-training is technically good ballet classes for a few years.  Foot strengthening exercises can also be done before starting pointe.  The important thing is that the teacher believes the child's feet and technique are strong enough for pointe, since point really is just an extension of the technique.  I hope this helps!