The Beginner's Guide to Pointe
- The Ballet Academy
- May 3
- 3 min read
Starting pointe work is one of the most anticipated milestones in a dancer's journey, marking a significant rite of passage. Pointe readiness comes with preparation and the right guidance. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know before stepping into your first pair of pointe shoes.
What is pointe work?
Pointe work involves executing classical ballet movements while bearing weight on the tips of their toes. This is done using specially designed pointe shoes to support the dancer's feet, with a reinforced toe box and stiff shank.
Pointe work creates the illusion that dancers are floating, achieving full vertical alignment while maintaining turnout, balance, and core engagement.
When can a dancer start pointe?
Pointe readiness depends on a few factors, including the following
Age
Dancers should be at least 11 years old when they are evaluated for pointe, once the growth plates in the feet have begun to solidify
Strength and technical foundation
Stable demi-pointe balance, with correct weight placement over the metatarsal heads
Strong ankles, feet and core muscles
Mastery of alignment in different positions: hips square, knees over toes
Teacher's evaluation
Only a qualified ballet instructor can assess readiness and approve a dancer for pointe work
Preparing for pointe work
Pre-pointe conditioning, focusing on alignment, proprioception and targeted strengthening is crucial to build the foundation needed for safe and successful pointe work.
Some exercises include
Theraband foot strengthening
Relevés
Doming and intrinsic foot exercises for arch engagement
Core stabilisation exercises
Choosing your first pair of pointe shoes
Proper pointe shoe fitting is essential for safety and comfort. Never buy unfitted pointe shoes online or use hand-me-downs as subtle differences in the shoe structure may render the shoes unsafe and ineffective, resulting in injury.
Some factors include:
Box shape
Shank strength
Wing height and vamp length
Heel width and drawstring style
View Bloch's Pointe Shoe Guide here:
Sewing on ribbons
Step 1: Cut the ribbon into four equal parts, burning the ends with a lighter to prevent fraying.
Step 2: Fold the heel up towards the box and mark the two sides with a pen or pencil.
Step 3: Fold 1cm of the end of the ribbon inwards.
Step 4: Align the folded end of the ribbon at the marking made in Step 2, with the shiny side facing outwards.
Step 5: Using a similar coloured thread, sew a square shape around the ribbon end, only through the cotton lining.
Tie them securely to ensure sufficient support when dancing.
Sewing on elastics
Using a pencil, make markings 1cm away from the back edge of the shoe.
Follow Steps 3 - 5 above.
What to expect during your first pointe class
Expect to begin at the barre and work on basic exercises such as rises, relevés, building strength and confidence before moving to center work.
What to bring:
Pointe shoes (with ribbons and elastics sewn on)
Toe pads
Tape or toe spacers (if needed)
Safe practices for injury prevention
Always warm up with foot articulation exercises before going en pointe.
Don't jump on a relevé, use foot articulation to snatch the foot inwards under the body.
Distribute weight evenly across the box, avoiding sickle feet or crunched toes.
Use proper toe protection (toe pads, spacers) to reduce friction
Avoid sinking into your pointe shoes. Use core muscles to lift the entire body upwards through the crown of your head to prevent joint compression.
Pointe work requires consistent attention to body mechanics, recovery and refinement of artistry. At The Ballet Academy, our structured curriculum and personalised training ensures that every dancer progresses at a pace that supports both safety and artistic development— grounded in strong technique, nurtured through individual expression, and guided by consistent, thoughtful discipline.
Thinking of starting your pointe journey with us?
Join our Pointe Beginner Classes!
Sundays, 10am - 11am
10-week term Perfect for beginners looking to start dancing on pointe.
Progress on to our Pointe Open Classes
Tuesdays, 8pm - 9pm
References
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