Speaking of Pointe shoes, when did your DD start going on Pointe?

[3prettyprincesses]

I didn't want to hijack the other Pointe shoes thread! But I'm curious...my DD is 10 and won't start pointe for likely another 1-2 years. Her school usually waits till the girls are 12 and then it's done on an individual basis to be sure she is ready. So, how old were your DD's when they began?

 

[kafitty]

i was in 6th grade...so age 12 i think?

 

[MomofKatie]

My niece is 12, and I just talked to her mom who said she is going on pointe after the new year. She has been dancing since she was 3.

 

[KSchwagg86]

I was also in 6th grade--12

 

[smschex]

Our daughters both started pointe work at about age 12. Our teachers are very careful to make sure the girls are strong enough as going up too early can lead to serious injuries and damage growing feet.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Our daughters both started pointe work at about age 12. Our teachers are very careful to make sure the girls are strong enough as going up too early can lead to serious injuries and damage growing feet.

That's what I've been told (and read online) about starting pointe. However, last weekend we went to a different school's production of The Nutcracker and they had 10 year olds on pointe. I asked around and apparently that school starts them as young as 9.

I'm glad that my DD's school waits a bit longer since I'd be worried she might hurt her feet. The owner and director of her school actually meets with the girls and reviews each one individually to be sure they're ready and won't hurt themselves.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

DD's teacher starts them between 12-14 depending on how their feet are growing. Once they begin the classes they are only on their shoes for 10-15 minutes per class. Each session (twice per year) they are allowed 5-10 more on the shoes.

 

[squirrlygirl]

i was 12. that was the youngest we were allowed. you also needed permission from the teacher to sign up. the first year time on toe was limited.

 

[autumnpalm]

I was 10 when I started on pointe. I never had any problems with my feet and I danced for a very long time! At 10 we were only doing simple things like eschappes, releves, etc. and we worked up slowly.

If my daughter were to do ballet, I would make sure she was attending a strong, technique-based school with a qualified teacher I trusted, and follow his/her lead. Depending on strength and growth, some girls need more or less time.

 

[clori]

My dd goes to a dance school which doesn't do competitions but is into technique and fun. This is the first year offereing a pre point class. To take prepoint you have to be taking a separate ballet class and be at least 8 years old. At least on paperwork is says that all kids have to take a minimum of 2 years of pre point classes then it will be up to the owner/teacher to determine when each person is individually ready so it can be a few years of pre point.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Seems that the consensus is about 12 years old. To say my DD10 is excited to eventually do pointe work is a total understatement! She can't wait.

 

[Poohbear123]

I was also in 6th grade--12

Same here, and I was in my 5th year...this is when the Ankles are strong and can handle "point"....The teacher checked my Ankles BEFORE she even told my Mom to buy the shoes....I wasn't as Graceful, but I do remember "showing off" to friends at School.

 

[Sleepy]

My son attends a European school. They do things a bit differently than in America. Here, the girls start pointe between age 9 or so. yes, I know this is an unpopular thing due to the growth of the foot, strength, etc. They are fitted with a special trainer shoe. They only wear them for 15 minutes at the end of the class at the barre. Classes are only 3 times a week.

For at least 2 more years, they only wear pointes for the 15 minutes. Classes are 5 days a week. By the time the kids are around age 12, they progress to pointes during the entire class and take special pointe classes in addition.

This school also makes the boys wear pointe shoes (black canvas) during one of their years of training. This is also an un popular idea in America. I felt it was important for his training. He learned that these shoes are super painful, require special strength, and a new sense of balance/center.