OFF THE WALL

• Pre Pointe
  
• Pointe
  

 Pointe at Off the Wall Dance Productions

After completing at least a full year of ballet, young ladies at the age of 12 may be tested for admittance into the Pointe class.  After successfully passing the Pointe Test students must be professionally fitted for Pointe shoes.  Pointe work then begins at the barre learning the basic relevé onto full pointe.  Once a student shows the proper strength and control they move on to center work.   
Ballet students age 10 and up with at least one full year of ballet class experience are allowed to begin Pre Pointe studies.  Students are guided through exercises that strengthen the muscles and increase the flexibility of the feet and ankles.  Proper body alignment is taught and studied through barre and center work to improve balance and control of the body.  
  
Wikipedia

En pointe (pointe) is a form of ballet presented on the tips of the toes, made possible by specialized shoes. There are different varieties of ballet en pointe, but for the most part they focus on grace and specific technique. Dancers must have sufficient strength and technique before beginning pointe work, the development of which can take anywhere from six months to three years or more. It is also important for students beginning pointe to usually be at least twelve years of age before going en pointe. This is because bones and growth plates in the feet are often not yet fully hardened and developed prior to this age, and can be injured very badly by pointe work, despite the strength and skill that the student may have. Ankles must be very strong on Pointe dancers.