Pointe work occurs when a ballerina uses pointe shoes to perform or practice her routine. Pointe shoes allow the ballerina to perform in a way that makes the ballerina seem taller and almost weightless. Performing on pointe adds to the beauty and awe of the routine, but pointe shoes do not offer enough support to allow a ballerina to do this easily. There is still a tremendous amount of strength and practice that must be met before a ballerina can perform on pointe.

The first thing to consider when interested in pointe is age. Although the proper age of starting is debatable, most ballerinas who have had proper training are allowed to begin pointe between the ages of 9 and 12 depending on foot growth and technique. It is very important to consider the growth of feet and ankles before starting pointe classes. Starting too early can cause serious foot deformities and injuries, therefore getting a doctors' opinion is always a good idea. Many teachers require a doctor's note before allowing their pupils to go on pointe.

Along with age, strength and technique are also important factors when thinking about pointe work. In order to be able to dance in pointe shoes, a dancer should have at least 3 years of ballet training in order to understand the strength, alignment and core technique needed. In addition to past training, taking at least 3 ballet classes a week is usually required to maintain the strength and technique needed for pointe work.

Lastly, ballerinas need to be prepared for hard work. Dancing in pointe shoes can cause pain and is demanding on your body and feet! It is a very challenging dance form, but is also very rewarding since it takes years of determination and practice to be ready for this level of dance. When interested in starting pointe, it is important to communicate your goals with your instructor in order to attain the proper technique and strength needed for pointe work.