Pointe technique During each class session, a student will move on to centre exercises after completing the barre work. These exercises emphasize various aspects of ballet technique, such as turnout, pointing of the toes, and the use of ballet technique while en pointe. Dancers take pre-pointe typically for a year before they are allowed to get pointe shoes. However, it is to the discretion of the dance instructor to determine if one year of pre-pointe is sufficient or if the dancer needs more time to prepare. Dancing en pointe stresses the feet in various ways and thus can potentially cause injuries if
Pointe technique enough to enable the dancer to support all body weight on fully vertical feet. Pointe technique resulted from a desire for female dancers to appear weightless and sylph-like. Although both men and women are capable of pointe work, it is most often performed by women. Extensive training and practice are required to develop the strength and technique needed for pointe work. Typically, dance teachers consider factors such as age, experience, strength, and alignment when deciding whether to allow a dancer to begin pointe work. Pointe technique encompasses both the mechanical and artistic aspects of pointe work. In particular, it is