Pointe work in ballet is not only beautiful and full of tradition, but it also serves several purposes. #1. Artistic expression Pointe allows dancers to achieve a heightened aesthetic quality, creating the illusion of weightlessness and elegance. #2. Technical development Pointe work develops strength, balance and control, pushing dancers to refine their technique. #3. Performance […]

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Few things in the ballet world are as magical as pointe shoes. From the excitement of getting your first pair, to the thrill of performing in them, to the pristine beauty of each new pair, and the myriad tricks each dancer uses to make their shoes work best, pointe shoes embody wonder.  For each second […]

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It’s a new school year, with so many new and exciting things to learn! Will you be starting pointe this year? When you skip out of the store with your brand new, shiny pair of pointe shoes, there are a few things that you will also want in your shopping bag. New pointe shoes are […]

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Every little ballerina dreams about it, and every adult ballerina remembers it: that first time en pointe. On the less magical side of things, there’s a lot of hard work involved (padding, shoe upkeep, foot hygiene and more). There’s often pain, and sometimes injury. The desire to get up en pointe – from young dancers, […]

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You waited all this time, took the required amount of classes, worked extra hard on your ballet technique and were finally approved by your teacher for pointe. How exciting! You may have visions of your favourite prima ballerina wearing her beautiful, satiny pointe shoes and were hoping for the same elegance and beauty. But then…ouch. […]

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There’s nothing quite like the feeling of dancing en pointe. For many aspiring young dancers, and even for adults who start dance late, the idea of dancing en pointe is viewed as the pinnacle of being a ballerina. The long-term consequences of pointe work. The only problem is, dancing en pointe can hurt. A lot! […]

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What is the correct age to start pointe? How do I know if I’m strong enough? Why do I keep getting injuries? These questions and more will be answered by the Australian Ballet School’s Health and Well-being team during the Pointe Matters program, to be held on September 21st. The School’s physiotherapist, Sarah Way and […]

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If you’re a professional dancer wearing pointe shoes all day long, you may experience some pain with pointe work. However, it is possible for pointe to be pain-free, especially for the beginner. If you have your shoes fitted correctly, and achieve the right level of strength and mobility, you shouldn’t be experiencing any real pain. […]

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By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa. Dance students new to pointe are always excited. They’ve been watching their favorite ballerinas since they were little, or they watched enviously in past years as their older peers got permission to get their pointe shoes. But now it’s their turn. They get fitted for their shoes, sew […]

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