Expert: Connie - 4/8/2008

Question
Hello
My Name is Elizabeth and I'm 14 years old.I have been taking dance for about 10 years now (if you count pom pom & aero)
I am doing dance classes right now in Ballet/pointe ,Adv. Jazz ,Modern , & Adv tap and I think I am Ready to go on pointe now. Everyone else in my class was already on pointe when I joined. My feet and ankels are very stoung , I'm 5'8 ,116 pounds and very fit , But my teacher never ever says anything about me doing any pointe work & I dream for day when I get to. So I was hoping that you could help me by telling me some things to do to be ready to go on pointe. And also what are most teachers look for to decide if a dancer is ready for pointe work.
Thank you so much for your time,
Signed
Elizabeth

Answer
Well first of all I suggest talking to your teacher about what is preventing you from doing pointe work.  Then you can know exactly what to work on and she'll see that you're interested in going on pointe.  To prepare yourself you can do releves and exercises with a theraband.  It sounds like you're ready, so talk to her and see what happens.  Good luck!