Absolute Beginner Pointe Course with Holistic Ballet
Venue: The Mews, London, E3 4TS
Level: 6-12 months regular ballet classes, see test below
Dates: 1st, 2nd, 3rd February 2019
Time: Fri, 7:15-8:30pm, Sat/Sun 10:15am -11:30am
Cost: £80
Before booking your place please read the terms and conditions. You can in cash, by cheque, use Mobile Phone Banking (PayM), or online bank transfer.
Have you played with the thought of starting pointe work for some time, perhaps you already bought a pair of pointe shoes, but never got the courage to join a pointe class?
This short course offers you the opportunity to get introduced to pointe work in a small class of up to six or seven students, at a pace that allows you to understand how to execute the basic exercises correctly and safely, and to address andy issues and concerns you may have.
Benefits of absolute beginner pointe course:
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learning the very basics of pointe technique
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very slow pace
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individual attention
It is a well-known fact, that pointe work is one of the most effect ways to strengthen your legs and to improve the arches of your feet. Thus, many male dancers attend pointe classes on a regular basis, not only in order to perform in companies like Les Ballet Trocadero de Monte Carlo but also to develop their overall ballet technique.
What you will learn in this course:
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how to strengthen and point your feet
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tendu and dégagés wearing pointe shoes
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relevés on one and on two legs
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relevés passés
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echappés
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pas de bourrées
relevé passé en pointe
Are you ready to start pointe work?
To be able to profit from this course, you should have attended regular ballet classes (1-3 times a week) for at least 6 to 12 months, children should have attended ballet classes for 2-4 years. 12 years is often, but not always, a suitable age to begin pointe work.
From experience, I find that there is little risk for adults to start pointe work, at least no more than with any other activity, given they achieved an overall good alignment, core strength and sufficient ballet technique from regular ballet classes. The bones in adult feet should be solid enough to bear the weight placed on the toes unless you suffer from osteoporosis, in which case check with your doctor.
The Pointe Book by Janice Barringer and Sarah Schlesinger offer the following strength test,
You should be able to do:
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passé (or retiré) on demi-pointe with a straight, pulled-up knee
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grand plié in the centre to standing with your knees straight, no wobbling and without altering foot positions
take the 'Am I ready for pointe work?' test
You will need to bring your pointe shoes to the first class. If you are not sure whether you got the right fit from the shop, do not sew on the ribbons and elastics yet so we can check and you could exchange your shoes if necessary.
To find out more about how to choose and saw your pointe shoes read my 'How To'-article. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
You must be ok with 2 cats being in the studio.