Am I ready for pointe work?

by Jade Lin
(Sydney, NSW, Australia)

I haven't asked my teacher if I'm ready yet, because I'm scared of what she'll say.

But I'm 11, and my teacher says I am very strong in the core, I have good posture and this is my 3rd year of ballet. I take 2 classes a week and I'm currently on a ballet scholarship.

My teacher only puts one person from each year on pointe, and my friend just went on so I really want to know if I'm ready for pointe.

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Hi Jade!

Love your name.

I can't tell you for sure if you are ready for pointe or not. You seem to have everything going for you. You're over 11 so your feet are probably developed. You've been studying for a few years. You could probably be in at least 1 more class a week, but you sound like you are doing a good job. Still, I can't see what your technique and alignment looks like but...

Your teacher can! Ask ask ask! What do you have to loose? Even if you aren't quite there, according to your teacher, it will give her the chance to tell you what you need to work on before you are ready for pointe.

Teachers aren't mind readers. It always helps to know what students' intentions are. If she knows you are serious about pointe, she will be better able to help you.

Just do it!! And good luck!!

Write back let us know what happens!

Ashleigh