The journey to pointe work is one of the most exciting milestones in a young dancer’s training. But as dance teachers, you know that getting a student “ready” for pointe involves far more than just their age, years of training, or artistic potential. A structured pre-pointe assessment is essential to make sure the dancer’s body is prepared, not just for their first pair of pointe shoes, but for a long, injury-free career en pointe.

As a physiotherapist who works closely with dancers and has completed more than 100 pre pointe assessments, I want to share the key things every dance teacher should understand about the pre-pointe process, including the subtle signs that can be easy to overlook in class.

The pre pointe process

Pointe work demands:

• Strong lower limb alignment to protect the knees, ankles, and feet
• Adequate strength in the calves, intrinsic foot muscles, and core to sustain balance on a small platform
• Sufficient ankle plantarflexion and turnout range to achieve full pointe without compromising other joints
• Stable hip and trunk control to prevent overload on the feet

A dancer might look ready in class, but underlying deficits in strength, flexibility, or joint stability can dramatically increase injury risk once pointe work begins.

The Teacher’s Role in a Safe Pointe Transition

While the physiotherapist’s job is to assess physical readiness, dance teachers play a crucial role in:

• Monitoring class performance for signs of fatigue, compensation, or discomfort
• Encouraging honest communication from students about how their bodies feel
• Collaborating with health professionals to create an individualised pre-pointe strengthening plan
• Reinforcing correct technique to reduce unnecessary strain on joints

What Happens in a Pre-Pointe Assessment

During an assessment, the baselines we check include:

• Foot and ankle range of motion (especially plantarflexion and dorsiflexion)
• Strength of the muscles (from head to toe)- intrinsic muscles, calves, hip rotators, and core
• Lower limb alignment during relevés, pliés, and jumps
• Balance and control in single-leg positions
• Functional pointe-specific tests to simulate demands of pointe work

Most dancers require further strength and stability training which is individualised to their body and level prior to buying their first pair of pointe shoes. The pre pointe assessment takes the pressure off you as a dance teacher – there’s no reason why you need to make this decision on your own!

Takeaway for Dance Teachers

By prioritising a thorough pre-pointe assessment, you’re not only safeguarding your dancers; you’re investing in their long-term artistry, confidence, and technical growth.

 – by Anastasia Sotnikova

For pre pointe assessments – call 9399 7399, book online or send an email to enquiries@physiopfc.com today!