Pointe Shoe Instructions and Information
Who Can Dance on Pointe?
At The Dance Center students will have to be approved by the staff to start Pointe. A dancer must be strong enough to protect the bones before they are fully developed. Beginning pointe too early can permanently damage immature bones. Our studio requires student to go through Ballet Level 2 Pre-Pointe, or has been dancing in Ballet Level 3 consistently and can exhibit all of the following requiremnts. A student may go on pointe at 11 years of age, if they can maintain a neutral pelvis, has a strong core, can fully straighten the supporting leg while extended and in demi pointe, roll through the foot and ankle joint into demi plie, and can fully articulate the ankle joint in extension and demi pointe.
what exercises can i do at home to strengthen my ankles for pointe?
The Dance Center has put together at home conditioning videos, if you do these exercises three times a week, come to class consistency, apply corrections and work hard, you will see results.
Conditioning Video – https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/838640859
What classes are required for Pointe?
Pointe students are required to take three 90 minute technique classes and two pointe classes per week. Two Ballet technique classes and a 3rd technique class, Ballet, Jazz or Modern, this does not include tap or hip hop.
Students in Level 2 who are anticipating pointe at age 11, will be required to take two ballet classes a week (Ballet Pre/Pointe Level 2 and Ballet Level 2). With taking the two required classes and meeting the physical requirements listed above students will be permitted to go on pointe at 11 years old in Level 3. If you missed this Level please ask an instructor about Ballet and Pointe options at the studio.
Pointe students will be required to come to all their classes consistently. If not coming on a regular basis a staff member may ask for you to not wear your pointe shoes any longer during your pointe class. Dancers will not be removed from the class or any performance opportunities, but will no longer be able to take pointe class in their pointe shoes.
Students must also wear their pointe shoes to class consistency. If students do not wear shoes consistently a staff member may ask for you to not wear your pointe shoes any longer during your pointe class. Dancers will not be removed from the class or any performance opportunities, but will no longer be able to take pointe class in their pointe shoes.
Where do i purchase my pointe shoes?
Once you have gotten approval from your Dance Center teacher there are two stores that you can travel to in order to purchase your pointe shoes. Both stores will require an appointment.
Petit Jete in Brunswick, ME http://petitjetedance.com
Twinkles Toes in Portsmouth, NH http://www.twinkletoesnh.com
What do i do after i purchase my pointe shoes?
After purchasing your shoes DO NOT SEW THEM. All pointe shoes need to be approved by a Dance Center teacher. Once sewn, pointe shoes can not be returned, and as a means to save you any heartache we prefer to approve your pointe shoes and check for any potential issues.
How do i sew my Pointe shoes?
While purchasing you shoes, we highly recommend you purchase a pointe shoe sewing kit. Both stores mentioned above will carry pointe shoe sewing kits like seen in the photo below. In a kit like this you will receive, strong thread, strong needles, scissors, and a pushing plate (this is very helpful for finger pain). These kits can also be found online and on amazon.
Once you have all the needed supplies, please follow along with this helpful tutorial, but also feel free to ask any Dance Center staff for help. We highly encourage the dancer to sew their own pointe shoes.
Tutorial for sewing pointe shoes – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-K3eJHuGJ4&t=7s