Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 2/20/2008

Question
Our daughter typically takes only one or two technique classes on flat. The rest (6 x 90 minutes total for each technique class) she takes on pointe. I've heard that this is not good training for technique, yet some teachers really like to teach technique en pointe. Which is better?
She also takes variations and rehearses on pointe

Answer
Hi Nancy. It sounds like your daughter works very hard. I cannot answer your question but I can point out some things to take into consideration:

- does your daughter experience any pain and lasting aches after her classes?

- does she have one day a week with no ballet - i.e. recovery time?

- does she have any complaints about this work load? Or, does she tend not to complain and instead suffer in silence?

- does she eat enough to maintain good muscle strength?

It's hard for me tell whether or not her teacher is making the wrong decision in how much pointe work her class does.

I have two suggestions - one is to do some reading on http://www.theballetstore.com - there is a lot of info in the articles and blog section - and also, if you wish to compare how your daughter is being trained, with the expert approach of a dance medicine specialist, there is a link to a manual about pointe work, strengthening, injury prevention and more at theballetstore.com, on the front page.

The direct link is http://www.linkbrander.com/go/54727 you can copy and paste in your browser from here. I truly do not know of anyone more expert who has published such a handy manual, and she writes for anyone to understand. She provides photos, videos and the finer details of the correct progression in training.

What I'm used to seeing is 90 minute classes mostly taught on flat, perhaps a 20 minute section done on pointe, especially if students are going to do a variation class or rehearsals on pointe, on the same day.

If there is a high rate of injury in the school, then perhaps there is some overtraining occurring. Good for you for watching out for your daughter!

All the best, Dianne. And feel free to follow up with more questions if you like!