How much would I have to practice to become a pointe ballet dancer?

becca_boo245: How much would I have to practice to become a pointe ballet dancer?
I am 15 years old, and a junior in high school. I have always loved pointe ballet, and I used to be in ballet when I was younger. I have never done classical ballet, and I would love to do that. If I wanted to be able to do pointe ballet in one year how often would I have to be in a class?

Answers and Views:

Answer by EmB
ALOT

Answer by Lucy
it takes lots of years of training to be a pointe ballet dancer but if you are determined enough and work even after class you might do fine. i would say to take regular ballet at least 3 to 4 times a week.

Answer by SandraLAVixen
In the ISTD syllibi, you need at least two hours of technique classes a week, plus an additional hour of what is called pre-pointe for about one year or longer.

Then if your teacher feels that you are ready she’ll put you in a regular pointe class but you have to take the same additional 2 hours of technique class at the same time.

The criteria is typically; have clean technique in pre-pointe, understanding of correct placement, strong ankles, and (most importantly) mature enough of a responsibility in class to be en pointe.

Answer by Dominique
You can do other forms of dance- just a thought.

Students are ready for pointe when they can hold their turnout from the hips while performing center combinations, hold a proper ballet position (straight back, good turnout, etc.), pull up correctly in the legs, and balance securely in releve because dancing en pointe requires one to use the entire body, including the legs, back, and abdominal muscles.

Preparation for pointe work is a gradual process, starting with strengthening exercises at the barre. This will vary according to the teacher’s preferences and syllabus. The first exercises at the barre are usually relevés and échappés. Only once the student is fully comfortable in executing the steps on both feet (and the tendons are strong enough), steps ending on one foot are introduced, such as pas de bourrée en pointes and retiré en pointes.

As you may know, there are lots of injuries possible from blisters to tendonitis and fasciitus. And stress fractures. So don’t rush.

“If you can afford private lessons every day you can probably get en pointe within a year. If you’re training at a studio, and only casually at that, you’re probably going to need two to three years before you’re ready for the pointework. You have to have your ballet technique perfect on flat feet before you can try it en pointe. It’s not just strength you need.
For now, strengthen every single day. Do 100 releves in 5th position, and hold them for a full count (50 left, 50 right). Do echappe releves in all the positions. Do slow rises to demi pointe in all the positions, as well as on one foot each. You can do all these things while you brush your teeth, wash dishes, etc. You DO have time to work on it, it’s just a matter of doing it every waking moment.
Also ensure that you hold your ballet posture while you’re doing every day tasks. Practice holding your head up and your shoulders back , walk with grace while you go shopping, etc. Find ways to fit it in, and it’ll become natural when you’re in the studio.
Buy a theraband and work on strengthening your ankles and feet. You can google several exercises, pick one you like (first ask your teacher to demonstrate so you’re doing it right).
Some people swear by writing the alphabet with their feet (straight leg, use it like a pencil). You can also do this laying on your back. You can strengthen your ankle by doing a similar exercise, by writing your name/the alphabet just with your foot.
Practice pointing and flexing your feet every day for at least 20 minutes. Do it when you sit at your desk, when you watch tv, when you eat dinner.

Do lunges and squats with light weights to build up strength in your quads, this is very important when you’re en pointe as your quads support your knees.
Don’t go running. If you want cardio then swim, skip rope, or go for a brisk walk.
I really suggest yoga and pilates, it’ll make you infinitely stronger and it’ll improve your balance.”