When Do I Get My Pointe Shoes?
It is one of the first and most persistant questions a ballet instructor hears: "When can I go on pointe?" Or, "When can I go on toe?" The answer is usually not what the dancer wants to hear. For only when the feet have matured properly (not before age 12, usually), and only when regular, consistent ballet training (at least two years, 2-3x per week) has allowed the muscles to develop properly (a ballet instructor can watch for this to happen) is a dancer ready for the challenges of pointework. So, unless these criteria have been met, the dancer is left with no choice but to....wait.
Once the dancer is given the green light, the first step should be a trip to a good orthopedic doctor or podiatrist for a check-up. If there is anything about the dancer's feet, hips, ankles, or knees that may put them at risk with pointe shoes, troubleshooting with that information right at the outset will help to minimize problems down the road. Plus, should the dancer become injured along the way, it is helpful to already have established a relationship with a reliable physician beforehand.
Finally, dancers should exercise extreme caution with their pointework. Get shoes that fit excellently, follow proper technique, and be on guard for pain, weakness, or early injuries. Should any of these last three occur, by no means should they be ignored. Learn the difference between the natural discomfort associated with breaking in new shoes versus pain that is arising from injuries, however mild they seem. Tough as it may be, no dancer should let herself be pressured to keep her shoes on and dance in spite of pain. Remember, ten years from now, even the most dedicated dancer will likely find herself on a new path in life, be it school, starting a family, or pursuing a career. The last thing you want to do is threaten your long-term welfare by abusing your feet and legs simply for the sake of pleasing one teacher or making it through that pivotal performance.
Bottom line: respect the privilege of earning your pointe shoes, take good care of your feet, and enjoy! -ep
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