Going on pointe is a milestone in dancing that every youngster dreams of. It is the ever popular imagine of the pink and perfect dancers foot in pointe that has come to represent our concept of ballet dancing. As with any other achievement, going into pointe is not something that happens over night. Instead it is the result of several years of training. It is important that this training takes place and the individual doesn't take pointe to soon. If young dancers go into pointe too soon, the abnormal stress can result in injuries both temporary and permanent. Many parents are just as excited for this milestone as their children but you must not be to hasty. Below you will find a useful list of pointe facts that help you make sure your child stay on point when it comes to learning pointe.

• At what age should I expect my child to start pointe work?

Going on pointe is something that is unique to each dancer. Bodies tend grow at different rates, as do various abilities. Generally speaking, children between the ages of 9 and 11 with a few years of previous ballet experience, are ready for point. From a medical standpoint, this is the prime age to go on point because the bones in the feet begin to harden. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the amount of flexibility, strength, and balance that the dancer has obtained through instruction and practice.

• My child is past the age of nine and has been dancing for awhile, but is still not starting pointe work? Should I be concerned?

Going on pointe is extremely exciting for both you and your child. It is a an achievement that doesn't come fast enough and many parents begin to become concerned if their child has yet to start point work. Unfortunately, the ability of your child to go on pointe is not something you can totally gage by age or years of experience. If you are concerned about your child's lack of advancement speak with the teacher. They should be able to give you a specific reason for the lack of progress.

• Are there any ways to test if my child is ready to go on pointe?

Going on pointe is something that should be left to the instructors judgment. There are however a few things your child should be able to do before they go on point.

• 1.) A dancer should be able to obtain releve and hold passe position for at least 15 to 30 seconds before being able to learn point. Basically, a dancer should be able to hold them self up while standing on the ball of one foot. There should be no shaking and they should be able to hold the position without problem. If this can't be done, it may mean their muscles are not strong enough and therefore it is not time for the dancer to progress. It is important that the muscles

• 2.) When taking the releve position the hip, knew, and foot positions should all align with each other. This shows the dancer has learned properly executed positions. If this positions are now executed correctly, going on pointe can result in injury.

• 3.) The dancer should be able to properly execute bar and floor movements and positions. These are the foundation for future progress and need to be mastered before moving on to pointe.

• 4.) Before a dancer goes on point the instructor should access their ability to do so by observing them without a shoe. By observing without a ballet slipper on the instructor can make sure the dancer's foot is in the correct position.

• 5.) In order to start pointe work a dancer should have adequate flexibility in their ankle. If a dancer does not have sufficient flexibility in the ankles they will not properly execute positions once in pointe. The inability to do this adds unnecessary stress to joints which can lead to substantial pain and injury over time.