Expert: Jennifer - 6/2/2006

Question
Hello,
I have been taking dance for two years since I was 11 , and I am moving to another studio and getting into teen ballet , but will it take me another 2 or 3 years to get on pointe , will the teachers be the same , Will I be tested in a room to see if my legs are ready for pointe?

Answer
It really all depends on the teacher and his/her philosophy about pointe, as well as your level. I would say that most teachers will just evaluate you based on your performance in class, and then decide when you are ready to begin pointework. I know some studios have tests for students before they go en pointe, but that is rare.

I would say that you should express your interest in pointework with your teacher and ask him/her feedback on what you need to work on in order to be ready to begin working en pointe. It could be in 6 months, it could be in 2 years... it just depends on your body and your technique.