Introduction to Pointe February 19, 2018 Once a dancer has completed pre-pointe training, there is a transitional class needed before full pointe training can begin. This is an introduction (or orientation) to pointe work. I find a good many teachers skip this. Either they are… Read More Introduction to Pointe
The Pre-Pointe Year February 12, 2018 Pre-pointe is one of my favorite classes to teach. In part because I enjoy the age of most of the students (11-13 year olds), but also because the excitement of what is about to come is bubbling everywhere. The… Read More The Pre-Pointe Year
Ready for Pointe? January 15, 2018 When will I be ready for pointe? It’s a question ballet teachers hear often. Especially if you teach in a school that doesn’t have clear policies in place regarding this topic. But even with clear policies we still encounter this… Read More Ready for Pointe?
Screaming About Demi Pointe June 5, 2017 Pull your heels up, dancers!” “More! Give me more with your feet!” “Where is your demi pointe? I can’t see it!”If there was ever a thing that makes me sound like a broken record it would be… Read More Screaming About Demi Pointe
Finding the Correct Full Pointe Position August 29, 2015 Already evaluating your students to decide who will start pointe next year? When to begin pointe work is one of those very important, special and serious decisions. Here are a couple of exercises you can use on your beginners to… Read More Finding the Correct Full Pointe Position
Guidelines for Starting a Student on Pointe July 19, 2015 Pointe work carries some risk of injury. Far too many students suffer injury in their first few years en pointe, sometimes because we, their teachers, expect too much too soon. Slow, gradual buildup of strength is the best way… Read More Guidelines for Starting a Student on Pointe
The Twelve Week Rule February 21, 2015 One of the hardest things a pointe teacher faces is the fear that their students may injure themselves. This, of course, is the last thing we want for our students. Too often the students are pushed too hard too soon, and… Read More The Twelve Week Rule