We understand that graduating to pointe is an exciting time for a dancer. Usually you've been dancing for years and working on your technique, dreaming of one day putting on those silky, shiny shoes.
Your teacher tells you that they think you're close to being ready and that they'd like you to do a pre-pointe assessment with your local dance Physiotherapist. But what does that really mean? What can you expect from your pre-pointe assessment? What will they assess? Will they pass you onto pointe the first time they see you? How long will it be until you can dance en-pointe in class? Will they judge me?
At Encore Performance Health the most important thing to us is your safety en-pointe. Pre-pointe assessments aren't designed to be scary. They're a tool to help determine where you are in your dance journey and if there are any risk factors for injury.
We'd hate for you to get your new pointe shoes, only to roll an ankle on them a week later. Nobody wants that.
What We Look At In A Pre-Pointe Assessment
We'll ask you questions about age, training history, developmental history, pointe range, foot/ankle control, intrinsic foot & calf strength, pelvic/core control, and ballet technique. The assessment will look at all areas of the body including:
Postural assessment
Functional assessment specific to ballet
Foot and ankle strength/mobility
Core strength and control of the trunk with movement
Turn out range and strength
We are also able to provide advice on purchasing the right style of pointe shoes for you and offer specific technique tips for ballet.
Follow Up Appointments
Following an initial assessment most dancers will need to follow a tailored exercise program addressing areas that may need improvement before safely moving onto pointe. We will review your progress again in approximately 2-4 weeks. At this stage we can amend your exercises to further improve strength or posture so we are progressing you towards the goal of safely moving onto pointe. We will use this process alongside recommendations from your dance teacher to determine when you are ready for pointe.
When Should I Have My Pre-Pointe Assessment?
Ideally, dancers will start this journey 3-6 months before starting en pointe. Most importantly, we want to ensure that your body is ready, and you are safe, before commencing your pointe journey. Most dancers don't pass first time and aren't expected to. It's a journey. Your exercises are not just designed to just get you onto pointe, they are designed to maintain your pointe training.
What to Wear/Bring?
Please wear dancing attire including leotard and transitional tights so that your feet are visible, as well as your pointe shoes (if you have already purchased them).
Hopefully that puts your mind at ease on what to expect from a pre-pointe assessment. If you have any questions, please comment below or reach out via email or instagram.
Happy Dancing!
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