PRE POINTE ASSESSMENTS
At Pure Health Osteopathy, pre pointe assessments are carried out for dancers prior to commencing pointe work. The assessment focuses on the areas required for safe pointe work such as pointe range, calf strength and flexibility, lateral and medial ankle strength, big toe flexibility, intrinsic foot muscle strength, turn-out flexibility and strength, leg alignment and pelvic stability during plie and fondue.
In addition, the assessment includes a screening of the ankles, knees, hips and spine for any issues that may cause problems with going onto pointe.
It is common for dance students to be assessed as “Not ready”, in which case, home exercises to develop further strength, alignment or flexibility are prescribed. A follow up visit will be required if this is the case.
POINTE READINESS
When determining whether a ballet student is ready to commence pointe work, there are some important questions to be asked and some issues to be considered. Progressing to pointe work is a serious step because it is difficult and challenging. To progress onto pointe and continue to improve is a slow process.
- Does the student have the physical capacity?
- correct alignment and placement both in positions and during movement
- maintenance of turnout
- effectively uses plie during dancing
- effectively pointes and stretches the feet during dancing
- can balance on one foot with the body correctly aligned over the weight bearing leg
- weight distributed correctly when working in the centre
- can maintain repetitive releve in the centre without tiring or losing alignment
- Is the student SAFE to dance en pointe?
- attending classical ballet class approximately 3 hours per week
- at least 2 years of ballet training
- responsible and attentive in class and applies corrections well
- over 11 years of age
A student may be told they are not ready to commence pointe work because they are not ready or there are other issues that will make pointe work difficult or even risk injury. It is important to listen to this advice as dance is meant to be enjoyable and safe. Pointe work is not appropriate for everybody and that is OK. Choosing not to dance en pointe (because you are not planning to be a professional ballet dancer) does not make you less of a dancer. Opting out of pointe work can be a very mature decision! However, dancing en pointe well can be a great goal to reach for in your dancing and being well prepared for it can make it a very enriching experience and achievement.