Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 4/30/2008

Question
I have a gifted nephew who performs at 9.  I caught him in his sisters pointe shoes and promised not to tell.  He says he is practicing in them almost daily.  What are the repercussions of this at this age in terms of his bone and joint development.  He trains regularly and is quite passionate so I want him to have a long career (and protect his confidence...)

Answer
Hi Kate. I think it is a great idea for boys to do some pointe exercises. It is strengthening and helps them stretch the top of the foot-arch area where most boys want more curve.

However, many children at the age of nine are not ready for pointe. There is a book called The Perfect Pointe Book, found at http://www.theballetstore.com The author is a dance medicine specialist and she explains that the growth plates in children's bones are often not ready for pointe work and can be damaged. She suggests, and I would agree, that if a teacher has any reservations about putting a student on pointe, she should refer them to a health care practitioner to be assessed (I would choose a chiropractor who has experience with ballet students).

I don't think your nephew should be practicing by himself. My first recommendation would be to have him tell his teacher - and get some instruction. If he won't go for that, he should at least get The Perfect Pointe Book and read the self-assessment charts, and practice the exercises recommended to strengthen specific muscles for pointe. The charts also teach students to assess their posture, their turn out, and how to strengthen their core muscles. The book has photos and videos and anatomy info as well.

If he cannot do that, there are many free articles on http://www.theballetstore.com that discuss all aspects of ballet technique and how to check your own posture, how to practice for strength and much more.

I sure would feel better about him using pointe shoes if he would talk to the teacher. If he is very strong, the teacher might fell it's ok for him to practice carefully.

So I guess it depends on how precious the secret is. It would be a shame to have a stress injury occur, not because he is using pointe shoes, but because he lacked instruction, a good fit, or simply did too much.

I'm surprised his sister hasn't noticed someone has been in her shoes!

It's wonderful that he has an aunt who looks out for him! Please feel free to ask if you have any further questions.

All the best, Dianne.