Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 2/28/2008

Question
Hi, I took many years of different types of dance and was very serious about my studies. I have done tap, jazz, modern and ballet for about 12 years, but got away from it after I graduated high school. I'm 25 now and would love to go back now that I'm out of college. I mostly miss ballet, but am wondering if I should start right back on pointe? I have stayed very in shape and still have my range of motion, but have taken up running as well, so I might be a little stiffer nowadays.  I am thinking about just doing some dance workouts on my own first, and then re-trying pointe... is this a good idea? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Kathleen. I would recommend a few months of a class or two a week before getting onto pointe - however, I cannot see your work or assess you so I could be way off.

I would mostly be concerned about your intrinsic foot muscle strength - absolutely necessary for pointe work, and nothing else presents the feet with the same challenge. If they are weak, your calves and ankles will take a beating!

If you want some incredible detailed info on self-assessing for pointe work, there is a manual written by a dance medicine specialist and former dancer. She gives tests and charts for students to self-assess and then do specific routines to catch up on strength, so that the feet are totally prepared for point. She gives anatomical info about feet and the body, stretching, turnout and postural strengthening exercises. It's $47 US and I believe every student can use one. IF they do, they would know more than most teachers. So if you prefer to work at home for a while, this would be an ideal guide.

But again, you will know best where your strength is.

The link to the pre-pointe manual is at http://www.theballetstore.com in the upper left corner. There are also lots of articles there you can read to review your technique!

All the best, Dianne