Expert: Connie - 8/11/2009

Question
Dear Connie,
  I am 13 years old and have been doing ballet for six months, and my ballet studio has decided to put me on pointe. Do you reccomend any brand of pointe shoes? I learned to do the splits in three weeks, and learned a double pirouette in one week. I'm quite thin I guess... but I have problems with fuete turns and holding a simple pase balance. And to be frank, my turnout sucks! haha... Well how can I improve these faults? Also, since you are more experienced than I, I think you would know if being able to go on pointe for doing ballet for only six months is good... also is it healthy for my bones/ muscles? I don't want to be injured.

Thanks,
- Angelina

Answer
If your teachers say you're strong enough, than you probably are. Also, because you're 13 your bones and muscles are not as fragile as somebody younger. Nevertheless, it wouldn't hurt to do some extra releves at home or to do feet strengthening exercises with a theraband.  Your teacher should start you with simple exercises at the barre to strengthen your feet and get you used to pointe.  If you're thrown into difficult center combinations immediately its worth telling your teacher you're concerned about injury.
It's normal to have problems with fouette turns; they're hard!  Those will come with time.  As with the balance, make sure you're holding your basic stance (your shoulders over your hips over your feet) and that your abs and butt are engaged.  You could practice that at home as well.  That will help your pirouettes and fouette turns.  Turnout is another thing that comes with time.  Just make sure you're using your full turnout to the best of your ability at all times during class.  
It sounds like you're a talented, dedicated student.  Keep working!