Why don't male dancers dance on pointe?

Question

I've noticed that I've never seen a guy who does ballet that dances on pointe. What's up with that?

Answer 1

I've done some research on this in the past because I find it interesting. Men DO dance en pointe, and more often then you would think. It's not common because the reason the women dance en pointe is to be weightless and give the appearance of floating across the stage. But men dance en pointe as well. I have seen many in person and it is really something.

This is an AWESOME article I have bookmarked because it gives so much info and input from famous male dancers such as my favorite Mikhail Baryshnikov on dancing en pointe.
http://www.the-perfect-pointe.com/MenAndPointe.html

It's amazing! If you search on YouTube you can find some awesome stuff on there.

Answer 2

It does happen. The fact is often, choreographers end up using men in the role of a support, as in most adage in pas de deux. There are men however, who truly push the envelope. Historically, Nijinski was known to have done so.

Answer 3

I am a dancer and many male dancers in fact, do dance on pointe.

Answer 4

In general.....it is safety believe it or not...

1) Men's dance moves are genereally more athletic and require that the danseur doing them start off with his feet firmly on the stage. I would not want to start a 540 barrel kick from my toes

2) Same reason also when a danseur partners the ballerina he has to keep his feet firmly on the stage in order to keep his balance better and hold his partner securely.

There have been many dance works choreographed for men on point

***Love Child - Who is that drag queen in the article you bookmarked? I about puked...

Answer 5

your right it is very rare to see a guy do pointe they usually just fake it! i guess they're just not tough enough lol! ne ways serious answer is my dance teacher said it has something to do with how their legs and feet are