Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 2/22/2010

Question
I was wondering if 29 is too old to learn pointe. I studied ballet as a child but quit foolishly when my dance studio closed and didn't research a new place. I probably studied about five years total but never got to pointe. In my teens and 20's I have taken some casual dance classes- the drop in types that aren't a semester long or have any true commitment.  But when I take those classes I still go to beginnerlevel- at most I'd go to advanced beginner.

So I'd love to dance en pointe- but is it really realistic for someone at my age to aspire for? I was curious what the ideal weight was too- I have 15 lbs to my goal weight and obviously the more I weigh the harder it is on my knees and ankles- but is there a said weight that is known to be what people strive for? (I am 5'5")

I am kicking myself for being such a quitter as a child. I quit ballet and vioin prematurely. And today I am totally regretting it. At least with violin I don't have any worriesabout physical capabilities, so I've been able to start playing again. I'd love to be able to train again--maybe with the hopes of going en pointe?

Answer
Hi Lexie. It is not unrealistic to strive to do some ballet on pointe, if you are prepared to do the years of training. You would be looking at two to three classes a week for about three years, along with additional exercises like those in The Perfect Pointe Book, to develop the sole of the foot muscles.

at: http:/www.balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/

there are articles about ballet technique and pointe work, in great detail. Reading some of them will give you an idea of the intensity of work you are heading into, if you are determined to dance in pointe shoes.

There isn't a said weight. Your height, skeletal type and muscular type will influence your weight. And when you start doing more exercise, you will build muscle and may not lose weight, even as you see some fat disappearing.

However you proceed, all the best, DIanne.