Embarking on Ballet at 13: How Often Should You Train and When Can You Go On Pointe?

Starting ballet at the age of 13 is a wonderful decision! Here are some guidelines to help you understand how often you should attend classes and how long it will take before you can gracefully go on pointe.

Class Frequency for Beginners

For beginners, it is recommended to attend:

2 to 3 classes per week

Two to three classes provide a balance between building strength, flexibility, and technique without overloading your young body. Additionally, if possible, consider supplementing your classes with:

Stretching exercises Strength training exercises at home

These additional activities can help enhance your skills and progress more effectively.

When Can You Go On Pointe?

The general timeline for considering pointe work is:

Starting from the age of 11-13, as a solid foundation in ballet technique is crucial.

Once you are ready to go on pointe, the training duration typically involves:

About 1 to 3 years of dedicated training. This duration depends on your physical development, foot strength, ankle stability, and overall body alignment. It also depends on your progress in basic ballet techniques and the specific requirements of your ballet school.

Important Considerations

To determine your readiness for pointe work, it is essential to consult with your ballet instructor:

Your instructor will evaluate your progress and physical condition to assess if you are ready. Listen to your body to ensure you are building strength in your feet and legs to avoid injuries. Going on pointe too early can increase the risk of injury and hinder your progress.

Recreational Dancers vs. Serious Pre-Professional Dancers

For recreational dancers, it typically takes:

About 3 years of attending 3 or more standard 90-minute ballet technique classes per week. To potentially be ready for pointe work. Going up sooner does not necessarily mean you work harder, are more gifted, or are a quick learner. It just means you might have a less experienced or less effective teacher. There are no shortcuts to building strong ballet technique.

Being strong and well-prepared on flat before transitioning to pointe is crucial. Dancers who go up too soon often struggle with stability and technique in pointe shoes. Pointe work can be painful if you lack the necessary strength to lift out of your shoes. Moreover, dancers who start too early often appear awkward and may not be able to perform properly in pointe shoes.

Serious pre-professional dancers spend much more time in classes due to their higher standards and the strict requirements for entering pointe shoes.

It is important to remember that while most people can eventually work in pointe shoes, there are some individuals who may face physical limitations, such as being born with an inflexible flat foot or other issues like knocked knees. This makes it impossible for them to go on pointe.

Ultimately, if you view pointe shoes as the sole goal, you may quit before you reach your desired level of proficiency. However, if you genuinely enjoy ballet classes in flats, you will likely find yourself ready for pointe much sooner than you think.

Don’t skip the basics! Even if you start in a beginner class, even with younger children, you cannot catch up on the fundamentals later.

Commitment to regular classes and dedication to building a strong foundation will greatly enhance your ballet training journey.