Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 10/30/2008

Question
hi, im 15 years old and have been taking dance classes since i was four, and taking serious ballet classes for the last two years. i do 3-5 classes a week and my teacher has commented on how well im doing. ever since i was little, iv been DYING to start with pointe shoes, and i still really really want to now more than ever. im not sure when i will start and im too scared to talk to me ballet teacher in case she just tells me im not good enough and to just leave it. im starting to feel like a really cant wait any longer!
phoebe

Answer
Hi Phoebe. I totally understand that you want to start pointe work. Bear in mind that the stronger you are when you start, the easier it will be.

Go ahead and ask your ballet teacher. Ask her what you should work on the most to prepare for pointe shoes.

Since you want to get ahead, get yourself The Perfect Pointe Book. I have put the author's link on the front page at www.theballetstore.com. It is designed to help dance students get prepared for pointe work faster, and very safely. The author has put together self-assessment tests, and exercise charts, in a very easy way for you to work at home. She discusses posture, turnout, balance, and also foot anatomy, which very few dancers understand. It is a download with photos and video too.

You sound like a dedicated student who would get a lot out of it. Even advanced students use this manual to improve their pointe work. It is a book you will use for years. And when the author adds updates, you get them for free. So keep your receipt number if you get it.

Even if you are not good enough now, you will be if you work on the right things.

Feel free to ask any other questions you have as you go along. All the best, Dianne.