Expert: treivilo - 1/24/2010

Question
Hi,
 I have had some experience with ballet but I quit for a while. I just recently turned thirteen and about six months ago I started it up again but am only in the beginning class. I am determined to get to pointe. Sadly I have only one class per week per week. At home I do all kinds of stretches to strengthen my calf muscles and ankles. I also practice barr work. At this rate, will it take a long time to get to pointe? I know it depends on how I'm doing and no one will ever really know, but I need an estimate and things I could do to get to it as soon as possible without injuring myself and speeding ahead too quickly!
                 Thank you so much!  

Answer
Hi and happy new year Rachel,

Thanks a lot for your question.

As you state in your message, it is quite impossible, without seeing you dancing in person, to say when you'll go en pointe.

But, with what you explain and the way you seem to be motivated, I think that within the next 24 months, you may be able to go to the local ballet shop and buy your pointe shoes !

Also, keep in mind that ballet is not only pointe shoes, there are many other things you need to accomplish to become a better ballet dancer. Do not loose those things from sight, as beeing only a good en pointe dancer is not what a ballerina is supposed to be !

One last thing, I tell this to all the people I meet who ask me questions about ballet :

First of all, Enjoy dancing !

'later

Olivier