Pointe and Ballet

[babygiraffeboots]

Posted: 6/20/05 at 10:40am

My goal is to eventually go en pointe. I have quite a ways to go, watching me in a ballet class is probably one of the funniest things a person could see. I'm 15 (going on 16) and I was wondering at this point if I'm really serioud about it, how many hours a week I should be taking ballet class and how many years at least would it take me until I could attempt to don a paor of pointe shoes?

Updated On: 6/20/05 at 10:40 AM

[lamentingenvelope]

Posted: 6/20/05 at 11:23am

I'm 15 now, and I started pointe... when was it... oh, nearly a year ago now, so when I was 14. I spend about four 1/2 - five hours a week in class, but only about forty five minutes to an hour of pointe, but I practice nearly every day. However I do not consider my class to be a professional, serious class... we don't do competitions or anything, it's not strict at all.

But really, though, when you go en pointe depends on when you're ready. I don't think you should go on if you're any younger than 13-14. It depends on how much ballet you've taken so far, how good you are (especially your balance and strength) and most importantly how dedicated you are. Talk to your dance instructor, talk to other students in the class, see what they think.

[jynni]

Posted: 6/20/05 at 11:55am

Going on pointe really depends on the individual dancer's strength and technique.

When you say you're really serious about it, what do you mean by that? Do you want to be a professional dancer or are you doing it for your own benefit or to enhance your dancing skills in order to get better parts?

Chances of becoming a pro ballet dancer are very slim unless you turn out to be exceptionally talented and a super fast learner. There are some things (flexibility wise) that your body just won't do unless you've started from a young age. Remember you'll also be competing against girls who've been doing this their entire lives. Not saying that it's not possible I had a teacher who didn't really get into dance until college and she ended up with a decent but shorter (mainly due to early arthritis) career.

I hate to say it (I was in the same boat as I didn't start ballet until I was fifteen) but starting late really puts you at a disadvantage. Even more so for me as I'm tall (5'7") by dancing standards. It can be hard to find a beginner's class that is accelerated enough for you to actually get better. If you can find a private instructor it would be expensive but very beneficial in the long run.

You'll probably have to put in much of your own time for flexibility and strength training. By that I mean doing your own bar workout at home as often as possible in addition to class. Once you get to the level required for pointe work, I'd imagine you should/would be taking at least 4-5 hours of class per week in addition to your own out of class work.

If you are serious and dedicated enough I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to achieve your goals. It will require a ton of time and some $$$ for lessons. Pointe shoes are also pretty expensive.

[babygiraffeboots]

Posted: 6/20/05 at 12:26pm

I want to be a well rounded and strong dancer because I plan on going into the theatre. I also love ballet. Time is really my biggest battle because of the stress of school. This coming year though I am really going to try to get myself to ballet class 3 or 4 times a week and try to get to tap class too. I miss jazz class though but scheduling wise it just doesn't work and my studio doesn't have a teen/adult class at my level (advanced beginner).

Does anyone else have a lot of problems with spotting? 6 years and it still doesn't work for me but my instructor did say at a certain point spotting is worthless and just doesn't work (i.e. multiple pirouettes).

[idinarocksmysocks!510]

Posted: 6/20/05 at 12:31pm

I'm 14, I started pointe last summer but I've been really busy. I practice in my spare time (I have a dance studio in my basement). Just ask if a teacher can help you practice in your spare time. If nothing else works, try finding a class at a different studio just for pointe technique and ballet.

[teh_pretty]

Posted: 6/20/05 at 12:57pm

"Does anyone else have a lot of problems with spotting? 6 years and it still doesn't work for me but my instructor did say at a certain point spotting is worthless and just doesn't work (i.e. multiple pirouettes)."

My dance teacher said that spotting doesn't necessarily work for everybody in every situation, but jokingly admitted that doing it makes you look more professional.

[kelzama]

Posted: 6/20/05 at 5:43pm

To go en pointe, you need not only foot strength and flexibility, but immense core strength in the hips, back and abs. Don't rush it; you'll just get hurt. 15's not too young to start, but I agree that, unless you're already freakishly flexible, ballet will suppliment your theatrical experience, rather than turn you into a prima ballerina. Oh, and you also should be willing to kiss pretty feet goodbye.

How isn't spotting working for you? Do you get dizzy? Or can you not hold your spot?

[heaja123]

Posted: 6/20/05 at 7:06pm

it also depends on how you feel, i have been dancing for 10 years and the past two years i have been doing 10 hours a week, and i know for myself that my ankles and other parts of my body are not physically ready to go en pointe, and for example if you are taking ballet 3 hours a week, you should then start taking ballet for 5 hours a week, you have to keep adding on to the amount of work you are putting on your body to become strong, if you keep repeating the same workout you wont get stronger you will remain the same, so you have to keep working harder and harder until you feel physically ready to go en pointe.

[babygiraffeboots]

Posted: 6/20/05 at 8:51pm

"How isn't spotting working for you? Do you get dizzy? Or can you not hold your spot?"

I get dizzy. I'm also prone to get dizzy anyway (I get dizzy spells from my lyme disease) so that may be part of it.

My biggest obstacle is going to be building up mt strength. I have basically been lying in bed for the past 3 1/2 years because I've been sick. My joints are in horrible strength and I have no muscle. I am determined to get my body healthy though.

Has anyone on here ever gone to Broadway Dance Center? I spend my saturday's in the city so I figured it might be a good way to get in more class.

I do get worried that I'm starting even though I know it's never too late to start something new.

Thank you all for your feedback!

Updated On: 6/20/05 at 08:51 PM

[heaja123]

Posted: 6/20/05 at 10:47pm

broadway dance center is awesome!