Pointe and Ballet

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?

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

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.

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.

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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?

"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!

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