Why Learning to go En Pointe is Necessary for Every Dancer

Explore Your Dancing Potential at Our Dance Academies in Edmonton and Calgary

It is quite common for newer dancers who are used to performing with flats to get impatient about being able to take on more advanced techniques like en pointe. However, attempting this too soon, without the proper equipment and supervision, leads to the building of bad habits that will later have to be unlearned and may result in serious injury. At our dance academies in Edmonton and Calgary, learn from some of the most qualified instructors in the field who will train you to reach the next level of your dance career, while also ensuring you do so in a safe learning environment.

Someone who is used to dancing in flats will not be able to transition to performing in full pointe shoes without first going through a vital training period. Here are 3 ways to know if a dancer is ready to learn to dance en pointe.

1. 1. Foot Health: If a young dancer attempts pointework without proper strength and technique, the significant forces created by the combination of body weight and momentum can damage those bones. Yet if a dancer is truly ready, if the introduction to pointework is gradual and always carefully and knowledgeably supervised, if the pointe shoes are well-chosen and properly fitted, there is minimal risk of injury even if the bones are not fully formed.
   2. Commitment: Most dancers need at least a few years of training in ballet technique before going en pointe. Someone who regularly takes several classes a week can probably start at a younger age than someone who attends less frequently.
   3. Maturity: A dancer’s attitude shows that they have the maturity for pointework. Starting pointe work is not just a question of age or physical maturity; readiness depends on strength, technique, attitude, and commitment.

Learn the Right Techniques from Qualified Instructors at Alberta Ballet School

Rising en pointe is one of the most iconic and elegant movements in ballet. For a dance student, its achievement marks their transition from beginner to more advanced stages of the practice, opening a world of possibilities in terms of performance. However, to attempt rising en pointe without first undertaking a transition period in demi-pointe shoes will only make a ballet dancer’s journey more difficult and could even set them back because of developing bad habits or suffering an injury.

Knowing the right time to move from beginner flats to full pointe shoes, requires careful instruction and supervision throughout the whole process. You can achieve this with a ballet school that understands the value of taking time with students rather than rushing them through the process. At Alberta Ballet School, we always work to train our students with the greatest rigor and care. We emphasize a curriculum that values the steady and patient build-up of technique rather than an accelerated approach.

For more information about any of our dance and training programs, please give us a call at 403-245-2274 ext. 722 or fill out our online contact form and we will be happy to assist you. Everyone is welcome at our dance academy in Edmonton or to sign up for dance classes at our Calgary location.