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Is Your Dancer Ready for Pointe Work? Why Pre-Pointe Assessment Matters

The journey of a young ballet dancer is full of grace, dedication, and hard work. One of the most significant milestones in that journey is progressing to pointe work, often seen as a rite of passage in classical ballet. But despite the excitement surrounding this transition, dancing en pointe too early can carry serious risks, especially for young, developing bodies.

More Than Just Age:
What Truly Determines Pointe Readiness

Although many dance studios consider age 11 or 12 to be the typical starting point for pointe work, current research in dance medicine shows that chronological age alone is not a reliable indicator. Instead, readiness should be determined by:

Physical maturity
Strength and endurance
Ankle range of motion
Balance and postural control
Dance technique and training history

These factors vary significantly between dancers, even those of the same age. Some may be physically prepared at 11, while others may need more time to develop safely.

The Risks of Advancing Too Soon:

Progressing to pointe work without proper readiness can result in:

Overuse injuries
Growth plate damage
Tendon or ligament strain
Loss of confidence and poor technique development

Unfortunately, studies show that many ballet instructors still rely mostly on years of experience and general strength without consistently evaluating flexibility, dynamic balance, or musculoskeletal maturity.

How Physiotherapists Can Help

This is where a qualified physiotherapist plays a vital role. A dance physiotherapist can perform a comprehensive pre-pointe assessment, which often includes:

Muscle strength testing (especially foot and core)
Range of motion measurements (e.g., dorsiflexion, plantarflexion)
Functional tests like the Airplane Test or Relevé Endurance Test
Balance and neuromuscular control assessments
Identifying technique flaws and providing exercises to correct them

These evaluations provide objective insight and support the dancer, their family, and the instructor in making an informed and safe decision.

Building a Strong Foundation for Future Performance

Using physiotherapy-based assessments not only helps dancers avoid injury but also sets them up for long-term successin ballet by ensuring their bodies are fully prepared to handle the unique demands of pointe work.

At our clinic in Balwyn, we offer personalized pre-pointe assessments to guide young dancers safely through this exciting transition. We work closely with ballet students, instructors, and families to design custom exercise plans and offer expert guidance at every step.

Is your child preparing to go en pointe?

BOOK ONLINE

Book a pre-pointe readiness assessment with our experienced physiotherapy team today and dance toward the future with strength and confidence.

References

· Sue Mayes, S. & Bowling, A., 'The effect of static and dynamic musculoskeletal screening tests on prediction of readiness for pointe work in young ballet dancers', Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, vol. 14, no. 3, 2010, pp. 83–90. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21067685/ [Accessed 7 May 2025].
· Steinberg, N., Tenenbaum, S., Zeev, A. et al., 'The effect of a supplementary strength and flexibility training program on performance of young dancers', Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, vol. 23, no. 4, 2019, pp. 170–177. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30477610/ [Accessed 7 May 2025].
· Fawver, B., Dietrich, S., Zhang, J. et al., 'Development of a Functional Screening Tool to Determine Pointe Readiness in Young Ballet Dancers', International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, vol. 15, no. 5, 2020, pp. 738–747. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33198901/ [Accessed 7 May 2025].
· Liederbach, M., Hagins, M., Gamboa, J.M. & Welsh, T.M., 'Assessing and reporting dancer capacities, risk factors, and injuries: recommendations from the IADMS standard measures consensus initiative', Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, vol. 23, no. 4, 2019, pp. 123–133. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30835655/ [Accessed 7 May 2025].
· Vandorpe, B., Vandendriessche, J.B., Vaeyens, R. et al., 'The value of a non-sport-specific motor test battery in predicting performance in young female gymnasts', Journal of Sports Sciences, vol. 30, no. 5, 2012, pp. 497–505. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26783970/ [Accessed 7 May 2025].
· Russell, J.A., Arakaki, D.A., Ondrade, M. et al., 'Objective Screening of Pre-Pointe Ballet Dancers Using Physical and Functional Tests', Sports Health, vol. 16, no. 1, 2024, pp. 20–28. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39462284/[Accessed 7 May 2025].