Expert: treivilo - 1/19/2010

Question
QUESTION:  Hello! My name is Nicolette, and I have a question concerning pointe work. I know that you can't see my dancing in person, but maybe you can help me to determine how long it will be until I am able to begin Pointe work. I am 13 years old and I have been doing ballet for about 6 and a half months now. I have read tons about Pointe, the requirements, how to tie the ribbons, and spent hours watching pointe technique. I know that it takes about 2-3 years to be ready for this strength demanding work, but what if you are strong enough, even if you haven't been taking ballet for too long? I have worked really hard memorizing basic steps and working on my technique. Truthfully, I have an EXCELLENT turn-out and arch. I also have the ideal body type. I am 5' 6" and weigh 112 pounds (a little heavy...)I decided I could ask someone who would give me a correct answer, and hopefully that will be you! I am too afraid to ask my instuctor, she is VERY strict. I hope that you can answer my question soon...Have a nice day, and thank you for your time!
~Nicolette

ANSWER: Hello and Happy New Year Nicolette,

Thanks a lot for your question ;

First, you must consider one thing ; Ballet is not Dancing en Pointe only. If pointe dancing is a part of ballet, it is not because you do not dance en pointe that you are not a great ballerina.

Note, I am not saying you'll never dance en pointe, off course you will. But you must take care of your body, your joints and your muscles. And taking care of them is also letting your body get used to ballet dancing, get stronger ankles, get good technique, ...

Having a good turnout will at no doubt help you in dancing.

Just be patient, I think you'll be able to talk about pointe dancing with your teacher at the end of this year, that he/she'll probably refuse, but he/she'll know you are really motivated and, in 1 1/2 year ... You'll go to the shop and buy your pointe shoes !!

In any case, remember one thing ... Have fun and pleasure in your dancing !!

'later,

Olivier



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  Thanks for your reply, but I didn't completely get the answer to my question...I want to stand on pointe, but that isn't the only reason I do ballet. The fourth paragraph of your reply was a little confusing, maybe you can explain it a little better for me? Sorry to take up your time...

~Nicolette

Answer
Good Morning Nicolette,

Sorry if I was not clear !!

You must not be afraid of asking questions to your ballet teacher. She is there not only to basically teach you things, she also is here to help you evolve in your ballet dancing. She will not get angry if you ask her a timeline of your ballet career. All you need to do is not only ask her the when but also the how. The how beeing the "how can I improve my dancing to be able to dance en pointe".

Next, this timeline, and the completion of the "dancing en pointe" goal is also highly dependant on yourself. If, for example, you want to take pointe within 1 year - which can or can not be realistic, really hard to say without seeing you dancing - you must put all chances to succeed on your side, by taking as many ballet lessons as possible, by documenting yourself about pointe dancing, ...

Is it more clear now ?

Olivier