If you’re a young ballet dancer preparing to start pointe work, a Pre-Pointe Assessment with one of our physiotherapists can help determine whether your body is ready. It’s important to ensure you have the strength, mobility, control and stability needed to safely begin. Our assessment considers your current and previous injuries, identifies potential injury risks and highlights any areas that may benefit from further strengthening or development.
Your assessment includes a comprehensive assessment of the physical requirements for pointe work, including:
- Posture and alignment
- Pointe range of motion
- Foot and calf strength
- Demi-plié range
- Turnout range and strength
- Pelvic stability
- Abdominal strength
- Balance and control
- Joint hypermobility
- Basic ballet technique
A Pre-Pointe Assessment is generally recommended for dancers who are at least 11 years old and have completed a minimum of two years of ballet training.
At the end of your assessment, your physiotherapist will discuss your results and whether you are physically ready to begin pointe work. If there are areas that need further development, your physiotherapist will provide specific exercises to improve strength, mobility and control, helping you work towards pointe safely and reduce your risk of injury.
