Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 11/5/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hey, I am Kyra. I am turning 13 this month and have been taking ballet for 7 years. I just started at a new dance school this year. I am in a advanced class with people older (14-17) years old. I havn't started point yet and I don't know why. I am not fat, I have stong legs and anckles, and I have a great turn-out. I really want to start pointe, I know I sholdn't start with out my teachers permission but...

ANSWER: Hi Kyra. I think you should ask your teacher, specifically, when you can go into a pointe class. Also ask her to tell you exactly what you need to do to strengthen faster, and get into the pointe class sooner. Write down what she says, make sure you understand exactly what she wants you to do.

This way she will know you are serious about working harder and she will help you progress.

....keep me posted!

Also, I have some articles at http://www.theballetstore.com, about preparing for pointe, strengthening exercises, video about breaking in pointe shoes, getting exactly the right fit, etc. For whenever you're ready!

All the best, Dianne

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

QUESTION: Well...I asked my teacher about it, and she said...
"I offer pointe classes to my level 8 students, so maby next year"
I don't get it, I know I am ready to start pointe (I have been told so by another ballet teacher), I guess you have to be a certian age (not ability) to do pointe. What should I do?

ANSWER: I don't know what to say Kyra. Is your teacher approachable enough to talk to further?

Every school runs in a certain way. I suppose some teachers want to follow a prescribed path for advancing students, rather than by individual talent or strength. Can you take a pointe class at another school? I know that seems complicated. Why don't you talk to your parents and ask them what they think. Sorry I can't be more helpful from this distance!

All the best, Dianne

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

QUESTION: I told my mom about it, and she said that she is not running me to tons of dance classes. I explained how inportant point is to my mom. Even if I took pointe classes at another school, I would feel like I am going behind my teacher's back. I think taking privet (pointe) ballet lessons would be best, but I don't know where to take them. Can you help me?

Answer
Kyra I don't think I can help you any further. Your taking classes is dependent on what your parents can do, as well as your ambition to do more. Private instruction is a possibility if you could be taken to that class, but it might benefit you more to take an additional regular class and just work on strength. If that is not possible, practice your basic strengthening exercises for pointe work at home, so that when you get into a pointe class you will be extra well prepared.

All the best with this, Dianne

A brief follow up - I've recommended to almost everyone to read my articles and blog entries at http://www.theballetstore.com. You have to create a user name to log in to see all the blog entries - your privacy is safe! I really apologize that I didn't tell you this - I'm not a technical person!