Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 12/7/2009

Question
Hi. I'm currently 14 years old and starting ballet in January. Here's the deal.....

I started ballet when I was three, then, went to Arizona Ballet School until I was 9. I was getting ready to en pointe and try out for the Nutcracker when I had to quit. So now, I've been practicing and my legs are still pretty strong. I was wondering how long it would take for me to go en pointe. I know you can't really tell just by this letter, but I was wondering if you could make an estiamtion for me.

Thanks,
Brittany H.

Answer
Hi Brittany. I really can't make an estimate for you, however I think I can help you out in a different way.

Go to my blog http://www.balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/

Scroll down and look on the left sidebar. You'll see a section "Posts About Strengths For Dancing In Pointe Shoes". It's a collection of articles I wrote on how to get strong for pointe shoe work.

The articles talk about details of ballet technique you need to understand and also give you some exercises you can do to build foot muscles or get more flexible in the ankles for pointe, or manage very flexible ankles.

I think you'll find the information helpful. I also provide links to other dance experts' publications which you may find useful as well.

All the best, Dianne