Let's Talk Dance
Hi,
Do you have any literature on when or what age children should go on pointe? I know the age is about 13, but needed literature so parents can read and understand that at 10 children are not ready. Could you possibly e-mail it to me at so I can print it out and give it to the parents? Your articles in Dancer magazine are very informative. Thank you so much; it would help me a great deal.
Sincerely,
Linda Willinger, Miami
Ballet At Your School
Dear Linda:
Direct your students' parents to The Pointe Book by Janice Barringer and Sarah Schlesinger. Perhaps you have a copy available that they can read. Suggest that parents purchase it if their child is very committed to the study of ballet; it really is a "must have." There is a website called 'On Your Toes' which has information on the varied aspects of ballet and pointe performance and training. The important thing is that you will have to educate them on the whole picture before they will think that any kind of advice is justified. And remember...retailers and shoe manufacturers want to SELL SHOES. It will be hard to trust them to discourage early placement on pointe. So, you are right...you need to be the one that sets the foundation for the parent to be the ultimate decision maker on when the child will advance to pointe. This should be based on practical, human issues and not at all concerned with artistic expression.
It is an exciting prospect to "go on pointe." It completes the "line" of the ballerina, lengthens the leg, tapers the point and defines the dancer in space. She can be taller, prettier, turn faster,