Can I still dance on pointe??

Question

I was very well trained in ballet for 12 years. I was about to go on pointe when I quit to make time for other sports. Recently I've been really missing ballet and wanting to go on pointe! I have been practicing a lot of the stuff we used to learn in training, and I am still strong enough to do it all. I think i'm ready to buy pointe shoes...

Answer 1

Go for it... don't miss a dream....

Answer 2

runninggirl - this is at least your 3rd post I've answered in the span of 10 minutes. To me, this shows that you are not ready to go en pointe. You should be discussing these issues with your teacher and your teacher should be making the assessment of whether you can go en pointe.

You don't say how long you quit ballet for or how old you are - these are major major factors in when you are ready. Have you been to a foot doctor (not a pediatrician) to see if your foot can take it? Have you been taking 3-6 hours a week of ballet in techinque shoes for 6-12 months since you returned? You may think you are strong enough, but you may not be. Only your teacher can make this decision. You shouldn't just run out and buy pointe shoes simply because you really want them. You should only buy them when your teacher feels you are ready. Buying them without the support of a teacher in a class environment is setting you up for injury and bad habits.

Seriously, talk to your teacher and don't rush things. They are incredibly painful and can cause lasting damage to your feet. Contrary to the look of them, it is not dancing on air - it's dancing in a way that your body wasn't set up to and if you aren't prepared and properly trained (and even frequently when you are), you can create long lasting problems for yourself.

Answer 3

I've also well-trained and practiced in classic ballet for 15 years just like you, and I still love working out like aerobics, stretching, and modern dancing. You know we are so tough and we have such flexible bodies because ballet seems to be very romantic and beautiful but in fact we are shaped and so tough to practice. You can try any kinds of sports from now, why not?

You may also ask and consult with a specialist or a technical adviser to have a technical advice when you start new sports.

Do your best on your favorite sports in new fields. Discover and enjoy yourself in the various fields of sports to make your life healthy and worthy. I'm sure you can do it :-)

Good luck!

Cheers!

Answer 4

Are you taking classes at least 2 or 3 a week? With all the ballet training you have behind you, I suppose it is okay. I really suggest taking dance classes just to get your technique up.

I also recommend reading some books like "The Dancer's Companion" by Eliza MInden.

Also, don't buy shoes online if you've never bought them before. You really need to get fitted correctly and have a teacher help you break them in.

Answer 5

Unless you've put on 100 pounds, there shouldn't be a problem. Good for you for re-doing your training. Get those pointe shoes and belly up to the barre. You go girl! It's never too late to fulfill a dream.

Answer 6

You don't buy pointe shoes without being in pointe classes and being supervised by a qualified teacher or else you'll damage your feet, ankles, knees, etc. Please, if you don't want to take my word for it, I urge you to sign onto the "Ballet Talk for Dancers" message board and ask for yourself.
http://dancers.invisionzone.com/index.php?

The board is free, you remain anonymous, and the site is moderated by professional dancers. The real bonus is that you get to engage in "real" conversations, with posts responding back and forth to each other. PLEASE check it out, OK?

Answer 7

i think you can there was on older person in my class this year and she danced on pointe and i don't think she was dancing that long but i heard pointe was really harsh if you did it later like that