When should a young dancer go en pointe?



When should a young dancer go en pointe?
Before a dancer is allowed to perform en pointe, various considerations must be made. Development of the ankle and foot bones is a crucial factor to take into account. The bones need to be developed enough to support the extra weight of pointe practice. This stage of physical growth and development typically occurs between the ages of 12 and 15. Muscular strength is another important consideration for a dancer. If a dancer has weak muscles and is unsteady on demi-pointe, she will have a more difficult time transitioning to full-pointe and is more likely to injure herself.




The assessment of alignment is equally as important as the assessment of muscle strength. Without a strong foundation in the fundamentals of ballet technique, a dancer will struggle to succeed en pointe. In fact, en pointe, the effects of any misalignment or improper technique are amplified, and the risk of injury is raised once again.




Each dancer grows at a different rate, so the decision to go en pointe should depend on how the dancer is growing. It shouldn't just be decided by how old they are or how long they have been dancing.




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