Lots of girls enroll in ballet classes with grand dreams of becoming ballerinas and dancing on their toes like a princess out of some fairytale. However what most people don't realize is it takes years and years of training before a girl is allowed to dance on pointe. However, all those years are well worth it because there's nothing like dancing on your toes and having everyone look at you in amazement. Read on to learn get on pointe in ballet.
Instructions
1. Start taking weekly ballet classes. If you find you actually enjoy ballet and want to pursue it further then begin taking several hours of ballet each week. Practice at home as frequently as possible. Work on stretching your legs, back and feet. Have someone help you and push you down further in your splits, push your legs to your head, pull your arms back to arch your back, and press your arches down.
2. Do lots of strengthening exercises. Take Pilates and yoga classes. The Pilates classes will strengthen and tone your abs, also known as your core muscles while yoga will help you stretch and focus. Do releves and eleves on a daily basis. The most important thing for pointe work is strong ankles.
3. Try your hardest in all your ballet classes and continue to show interest in improving and eventually going on pointe. It isn't recommended that you start pointe work until you are at least 12-years-old. This is because your feet are still going and beginning pointe too young can permanently disfigure your feet. This is also because it does take several years of training to become proficient enough and strong enough for pointe work.
4. Ask your teacher if you are ready to go on pointe or if you can test for pointe. Your teacher will evaluate your progress and examine your ankle strength. If your teacher decides you're ready to begin pointe training you will need to go to a dance store and try on several pairs of pointe shoes. Tell them you are just beginning pointe as they will assist you in finding a shoe that will fit your foot well and a shank that will be soft enough for beginning training. If your teacher says you are still not ready for pointe don't despair. Continue to work hard and ask what it is you need to work on. Practice those things daily. You will get on pointe.
5. Take things easy when you first start pointe. Don't attempt any turns, big kicks or other tricks. Start with the basics just like when you first started ballet. You will have to get used to the feeling of supporting your entire body on just your toes. Concentrate when dancing on pointe as it is very easy to injure yourself. Have fun.
