"Is my daughter ready For Pointe Class?"

Ms. Brenda Lee's answer:

"Before advancing to pointe work, it is generally recommended by educated dance instructors that the dancer is at least 12 years of age and has taken serious ballet technique classes for at least 4 years, 2-3 times per week. At our studio, I will not allow a dancer to take pointe class until I have seen consistently strong ballet technique over a 4 year period. In fact, I insist upon 1-3 yrs. of pre-pointe before the dancer is invited to engage in the rigors of pointe. A pointe shoe retailer can only provide a minimal evaluation, it is best to first consult with me, the studio director after you have been selected and invited to attend pointe class. As director, I will guide (or appoint an instructor to guide) your pointe shoe selection and purchase after the appropriate medical form has been presented. Do not take it upon yourself to purchase a pair of pointe shoes. Wait for me: the studio director/eduacted instructor and artist to provide an invitation which will include a full evaluation based on your daughter's performance in the classroom setting. Getting my approval first will guarantee my help and support with the dancer’s pointe endeavors and dance career. Pointe work is very hard, grueling and serious. Many dancers have cut short their careers and ruined their bodies by being far too eager. Many dance instructors have allowed students to take pointe class for financial gain or Parental brownie points, ruining the dancers knees and ankles. I am a woman of principal. A graduate of the highly esteemed University of the Arts, CAPA and the dance offspring of Althea Leslie, Delphine DelBello, John Sherman, the late John Hines, Henry Roy, Susan Slenn, Faye Snow, LaVaughn Robinson, Joanne Tulli, the late Madame Marion Cuyjet and other great dance troubadors and teachers that I humbly trained under and received my greatest earthly treasure from. Those listed gave me the "truth." They taught me technique. They truly gave me lessons in the art and science of dance. Teaching the art of Dance is about integrity. I will not place a student in pointe shoes that is not ready. Let the record show I have honored my dance ForeFathers and Mothers for more than 25 years as we celebrate the silver anniversary of my studio. Our foundation is strong, framework powerful, and legacy unstoppable! Twenty five years of integritous teaching. Level to level, line upon line and precept upon precept. Our pointe classes will continue to be instructed properly only to those who are ready for pointe."

Ms. Brenda Lee's Rules for Pointe:

1. The dancer has trained consistently in the art of ballet technique for 4-5 years,taking 2-3 classes per week.
   
   
2. The dancer must be at least 12 years of age and I reiterate, she has taken serious ballet technique classes for a minimum of 4 years, 2-3 times per week.
   
   
3. At our studio, I will not allow a dancer to take pointe class until I see a dancer with a good technique. We are an academic dance enviornment which behooves us never to rush a dancer into pointe shoes. The best dancers I have trained began pointe at age of 14/15 after several years of dance training.
   
   
4. I insist upon 1-3 yrs. of pre-pointe before the dancer is invited to engage in the rigors of pointe.
   
   
5. A student must be selected and invited to take pointe class. They must be ready for the rigors of pointe.
   
   
6. Pointe work is an advanced level of dance that must be approached only by those who are physically and mentally ready. Not until several physical specifications are met can rising onto pointe be done safely and successfully. Consistent mental focus is needed in order to be consciously aware of your body while en pointe. Premature pointe work can lead to structural defects and injury, inhibiting further growth as a dancer. A Parent must trust my decision regarding this level of advancement. I will not be pressured into putting a student on pointe.
   
   
7. While standing and in motion, the dancer must maintain proper body alignment in order to ensure proper weight distribution and avoid injury. The dancer must be able to engage and control their core muscles in order to maintain proper body placement and to provide support for the entire upper body.
   
   
8. The dancer must be strong:

Sufficient strength in the torso and sides of the body and back. Must be strong enough to maintain proper posture and avoid over-arching spine, throwing shoulders back and forcing the rib cage forward. Sufficient strength in the lower abdominal muscles. Must be strong enough to maintain correct pelvic placement and stability. Sufficient strength in the inner and back thigh muscles. Must be strong enough to maintain rotation and hold the turnout. (Turned in legs place a great strain on the knees when the dancer is on pointe. Sufficient strength in ankle and attending tendons and muscles. Must have developed sufficient strength to rise in a straight line and hold with no "wobbles". Must demonstrate NO strain or clenching of the ankle. The foot must have a fairly flexible foot that allows enough mobility to be straight on pointe. Must have sufficient strength on the outer and inner sides of the foot to hold the foot in a straight alignment when rising and lowering on the demi-pointe. Must have sufficient strength in the metatarsals for weight adjustment so that the foot does not 'hook' when rising and lowering on pointe. Must have the ability to hold the toes straight with no curling or knuckling. Must be free from abnormalities such as bunions, dropped arches, or collapsed 1st or 2nd metatarsals. Remember: The pointe shoes do not hold a dancer up on pointe, her body does!!!

Website Created by DanceWebDesign, Inc.