Pointe work is part of classical ballet technique and a student can start this at the age of 12+. The techniques involves the dancer supporting all their body weight on the tips of fully extended feet within pointe shoes.
Extensive training and practice is required to develop the strength needed for Pointe work. At Dulwich Ballet School our teachers will consider factors such as age, experience, strength and alignment when deciding whether to allow a dancer to begin Pointe work.
Preparation for pointe work
11.5 – 13yrs
This is the first of our pointe classes for female students.
This class prepares girls for pointe work – they learn technique and do foot and ankle strengthening exercises in soft shoes, prior to purchasing pointe shoes.
Girls must be at least 11.5 years to join this class
Pointe Beginners – Pointe IV
12 - 18yrs
Classes en pointe begin in earnest in Pointe Beginners with the purchase of pointe shoes and students start to learn early pointe exercises at the barre. They continue progessing through the class stages when they have achieved the required standard for that level.
Some students eventually reach Pointe IV where they are confident dancing en pointe in the centre, without support from the barre. In this class, they have the opportunity to learn variations from the ballets which include posé pirouettes en diagonale and jumps en pointe.