What age does doctors recomend ballet dancers to start using pointe shoes???

All ballet teachers that I know refuse to let anyone start pointe work until they are 12. My principal at the ballet school I attended brought x-rays in once showing a young childs feet and an adults. The difference in bone structure is HUGE (and not just coz adults are older).





I've heard of stories were kids as young as 10 have tried to do pointe work. The bone structure at that age is far too soft and can lead to serious injuries either straight away or later in life. I started pointe work when I was 12.





If your under 12 or haven't been dancing very long (I'd recommend at least 3-4 yrs training full time if your an older student) work on strengthening your feet. Doing simple foot exercises and build up those foot muscles. Also work on strengthening your ankles- weak ankles lead to serious injuries or problems in pointe work.





Have fun and enjoy your feet before pointe- they will never look the same after lol :o)

What age does doctors recomend ballet dancers to start using pointe shoes???
Well I went on pointe when I was 11, but I know little girls that are on pointe at 8 years old. But i don't think it's dangerous for their ankles, because they couldn't do pointe if their ankles weren't strong enough and I think doctors just think that if your ankles are strong enough, go ahead.
Reply:well there was a book i read that said 21 because the bones in your foot are strong and finished growing but most people go on point around the ages of 12-15 or even later



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