When can my child go en pointe?

Pointe work is an extension of ballet training and is reserved for advanced dancers strong enough to execute the demands.  Faculty approval is required.  We are aware that we typically do not place students en pointe until later than most dance schools.  The following factors are considered:

• Dancers must have had at least three full years of ballet training.
• Dancers must be in Level IV.
• Dancers must be at least eleven years old and show growth plate closure, in order to prevent long-term injury.
• Dancers must take a bare minimum of two ballet technique classes per week, and more are strongly recommended.
• Pre-pointe is offered to anyone in Level III taking a minimum of two weekly ballet technique classes.  Pre-pointe is not a guarantee of a timeline for going on pointe, but rather is an offering to assist dancers in strengthening and conditioning in preparation for eventual pointe work during the Level III years.