Can adults start pointe?
Pointe work is a beautiful yet challenging aspect of ballet that involves dancing on the tips of the toes using pointe shoes. Traditionally, pointe work is reserved for experienced and trained ballet dancers who have developed the necessary strength and technique to perform safely. However, I'm often asked if non-professional dancers can also learn how to dance en pointe even if they started later in life or have taken a long break from training.
The short answer is that it is possible for adult ballet dancers to start pointe work, but it requires a lot of dedication, commitment, and training. It is essential to approach pointe work with caution and under the guidance of a qualified ballet teacher.
So, what should you consider if you're an adult ballet dancer looking to start pointe work?
Previous Ballet Experience
It is crucial to have a strong foundation in ballet technique before attempting pointe work. Adult dancers who are new to ballet should start with a beginner's class and gradually progress to more advanced levels. The technique required in ballet can be so detailed and takes years to master, but it helps you to build strength and tackle increasingly harder steps. Starting pointe work with no prior ballet experience would be dangerous, with a high risk of injury.
Physical Strength and Flexibility through Pre-Pointe
Pointe work requires significant strength and flexibility in the feet, ankles, and legs. Before attempting pointe work, it is essential to develop the necessary physical strength and flexibility through specific exercises and training. Along with your prior experience in ballet, you will also want to consider starting Pre-Pointe lessons to develop the specific skills needed for pointe work and to learn typical pointe exercises like échappés, relevés, sous-sous or bourrés for example.
Proper Pointe Shoes
It is crucial to have well-fitted pointe shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning for the feet. A professional pointe shoe fitting is necessary to ensure that the shoes are the correct size and shape for your feet, which you can book at your local pointe shoe store. Well-known pointe shoe shops include Bloch, Capezio, Sansha, Freed of London and Repetto, for example.
Pointe Shoe Accessories
Along with your pointe shoes you will accrue a selection of accessories to assist with your pointe work. This comes down to individual preference and not all dancers will choose the same pointe accessories. This might include toe pads, toe separators, massage balls, therabands, toe tape and foam rollers, for example. For more information on pointe shoe accessories, have a look at my blog post here:
Patience and Dedication
Learning pointe work is a gradual process that requires patience and dedication. You might even need to study Pre-Pointe for a year or two before your teacher decides you are ready for pointe. Once en pointe, rushing your training will only expose you to injury, learning bad habits and slow you down in the long run. It is worth remembering that professional dancers who make pointe work look easy have usually trained almost every day from a young age and often at a vocational school, so don't expect to be doing fouettés en pointe any time soon!
Avoiding Injury and caring for your body
Pointe work is physically demanding and can be dangerous if not performed correctly. It is important to listen to your body and not push beyond your limits. Seek the guidance of a qualified ballet teacher and consult a medical professional if you have any concerns about injuries or pain. Once en pointe, you will need to take special care of your feet and keep your toe nails short. I find that regular massages with a massage ball, strengthening exercises with a theraband and washing my toe pads regularly all help with keeping the feet in good shape for pointe.
So yes, you can absolutely start ballet as an adult, as long as you seek the right training and practise with dedication and caution. However, it is essential to approach pointe work with care and under the guidance of a qualified ballet teacher. Remember to listen to your body, take your time, and enjoy the journey of learning this challenging and beautiful aspect of ballet.
Want to supplement your in-studio classes with Pre-Pointe and Pointe barres you can do at home? Head to www.myballetcoach.com for on-demand ballet classes and exercises.
