Every little dancer dreams of being that glamorous, graceful prima ballerina that drifts across the stage on her toes effortlessly. Graduating to pointe work is often a goal of a young dancer, but how do you know when you're ready to go up?
Dancing en pointe requires significant foot and ankle strength, as well as advanced technique at barre and centre. It takes more than a few classes to develop these skills. Patience is key. As eager as you may be to tip toe through class, it can be dangerous to go up before you are ready technique wise, or before your feet and ankles have completely developed physically. Working en pointe too early can cause lifelong pain and injury.
Express your desire to your teacher and they will tell you when it is the appropriate time to be fit in your first pointes, even though that may mean waiting a few more years. Believe me, it will be worth the wait.