can an adult begin pointe instruction?

Question

I have danced since i was 2 1/2 but i never studied pointe since ballet was not my favorate subject at the time. As an adult i wish i had taken my dance farther into ballet and pointe instead of just tap and jazz wich i still currently study. Is it to late to study point at this time in my life?

Answer 1

It's not that you couldn't begin pointe instruction, as long as you build up the supporting muscles in your feet and ankles, but that you probably haven't developed the proper turn-out and everything else that your body needs in order do pointe properly without getting injured. Doing ballet on pointe is already brutal on young bodies when done correctly. If many young dancers are forced to stop dancing due to injuries as they reach adulthood, it's very hard to see new adults successfully starting pointe instruction at such a late stage.

As for consulting one's doctor about such a thing, I've had to take my dancing daughter to several different area orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors and they've all been useless for helping with her dance-induced knee injuries. She finally got the proper advice from a physical therapist who worked for a dance company and learned that she was working her turn-out incorrectly. But my point is that if so-called specialists, working out of one of the top medical centers in the country, don't understand the biomechanics of ballet, I believe you'll only be setting yourself up for trouble if you take your G.P.'s word about such things.

Feel free to try pointe out, but I think you'll find that the pain simply isn't worth it.

Answer 2

Talk with the person who would be your teacher, as well as any teachers you currently have. Nothing says that you cannot start now. Just keep in mind that you'll need to listen to what your feet are saying... finding a good pair of pointe shoes is 100% necessary, not just quality, but shoes that work with your feet. That search may take time, and it may hurt a little bit on the way. You'll also have to take additional classes during the week to boost strength in the area and endurance levels.

With that said have fun, and keep on dancing

Answer 3

No, I don't think so. You might consult your doctor first if you're worried about it, but if you do find an instructor who is willing to take on an adult pupil, he or she probably knows what needs to be done differently with an adult than with a child or teen. The fact that you already have a lot of dance training works in your favor too--you've probably got a pretty good idea of what your body can and can't do. So take it slowly, but have fun!

Answer 4

When I was a kid in ballet, my mom was taking adult classes. about the same time that I went on pointe, she decided to give it a try too. She had a really good teacher though.

It's true though, depending on how old you are, you should probably check with your doctor just to make sure your bones and cartilage are heathy enough.

Also make sure you get exactly the right pointe shoes. A girl I used to dance with wore one pair of bad shoes: they didn't support her feet the right way, and most of the cartilage in her toes wore away from it.

Answer 5

it is not 2 late but u cannot take pointe if u don't take just normal ballet classes, so start those up again and then ask yr instructer about pointe. GOOD LUCK :)