Pointe Preparation and Training at Charlesworth Ballet School
At Charlesworth Ballet School, we offer both Pointe Preparation and Pointe Training for students aged 10 to 17 years old, ensuring they develop the strength, technique, and safety measures required for this challenging aspect of Classical Ballet.
Pointe Technique involves dancers performing on the tips of their toes in specially designed shoes. The development of the pointe shoe was driven by the desire to allow ballerinas to move with grace and appear weightless while performing.
Pointe Preparation Programme
Our Pointe Preparation syllabus consists of three lessons per year, each running for 45 minutes. The focus is on building strength and alignment of the feet, ankles, and knees before progressing to pointe work. The class includes:
- Barefoot exercises to strengthen the feet, ankles, and knees.
- Barre and centre practice in ballet shoes to prepare for pointe.
Pointe Training Programme
The Pointe Training syllabus is similar to the Pointe Preparation programme but extends the training to 60-minute lessons. These classes are also broken into two parts:
- Barefoot work focusing on foot and ankle strength and alignment.
- Pointe work at the barre and in the centre. Beginners spend more time at the barre until they build the strength needed for centre work.
Pointe Approval Procedure
Because pointe technique requires dancers to support their full weight on extended feet and pointed toes, it is both challenging and carries a heightened risk of injury. Therefore, we have a Pointe Approval procedure to ensure students are ready and safe to begin pointe training.
- Pointe Screening
Students will undergo a screening with the teacher and our Occupational Therapist, Katie Chown. This session may be arranged outside of class time. Students are rated on a Pointe Readiness scale from 1-4:- 1. Ready for pointe
- 2. Close to ready
- 3. Not ready
- 4. More detailed assessment required
- Report and Recommendations
After the screening, students will receive a report outlining their rating, and any additional requirements for progression. This may include one-on-one therapy with Katie or further assessments to address musculoskeletal, postural, or dynamic movement concerns. Reports will be shared with the Principal and the student’s teacher. - Pointe Shoe Approval
Once students are cleared for pointe training, they will be given permission to purchase their first pair of pointe shoes, with the Principal’s approval. - Fitting and Evaluation
Students can visit one of the recommended dance stores listed on our Uniforms page to be fitted for their pointe shoes. It is important that students bring their new pointe shoes to class for the teacher to assess the style and fit before sewing on ribbons and elastics. Dance stores will allow the shoes to be returned if necessary. - Ready for Class
Once the teacher has approved the style of the pointe shoe, students may sew on their ribbons and elastics and begin using the shoes in class. Full participation in pointe shoes is determined by the teacher’s discretion. - Ongoing Assessments
If students already have their pointe shoes but the teacher has concerns about strength or alignment, they may be asked to attend a screening for further evaluation.
Safety First
Our comprehensive Pointe Approval process ensures that each student is properly prepared for the physical demands of pointe work, helping to reduce the risk of injury and foster a successful, rewarding pointe experience. Join us at Charlesworth Ballet School and take the next step in your ballet journey with confidence and care!