This class focuses on building the muscles and specific technique necessary to begin training for pointe. Students must also be enrolled and attend an additional ballet class. Bone development is taken into consideration when placing students en pointe so dancers must be at least 13 years old before going en pointe. Students should expect to participate in 1-4 sessions of Pointe Prep before being considered for Pointe. It is important to note that every dancer is different and that proper bone development and muscle strength will be a main factor in the placement decision over age or participation. Under no circumstance should students purchase pointe shoes until instructed to do so. Pointe Prep II dancers must be evaluated to enroll. Contact KSchwarz@ahpd.org to request an evaluation. Dancers should wear pink ballet shoes, leotard, skirt or dance shorts, and convertible or footless tights (optional). *Class does not participate in recital. (KS)
