Pre-Pointe Conditioning Course Taught by PBT certified Analiesa Kreutz
There is always a glamour to getting your first pointe shoes and a rush to do it. But dancing en pointe can be dangerous and cause damage to your feet and body if you start too early or before you have sufficient strength, joint flexibility, technique and maturity. Pre-Pointe conditioning is an important step to ensuring the readiness and safety of the dancer, and educating them on individual areas of improvement required to meet the demands of working en pointe.
Young dancers often begin pointe work between 11-13 years of age, however not everyone in the class will develop at the same rate. Starting pointe before you are ready can cause injuries in the short and long term, time off dancing, severe muscle aches and pains, foot deformities, and could stop you from continuing your pointe training should the issues be serious. It is important to ensure your body is ready and develop enough strength to protect the growing bones and growth plates in the feet to avoid long-term damage.
What does our Pre-Pointe Conditioning course provide?
Assessment of physical development and dance training
Exercises to develop strength, flexibility and articulation in the feet and ankles
Exercises to improve Turnout
Exercises to develop core control and stability
Exercises to improve hip, knee and body alignment
Exercises to improve balance
Screening for past or current injuries that may interfere with training en pointe
Why? As dancers, our bodies are the tools of our trade. We need to look after our bones, joints, muscles and ligaments so that we can have a long and successful career in the style of our choice, en pointe or not! Learning more about your strengths and weaknesses in a safe, friendly environment is an invaluable opportunity to improve your dance technique, avoid future injury, and connect with other students.
