Starting pointe?

Question:I know there is a minimum age, about 12 because your muscles haven't developed, but is there a maximum age to start? I'm 18. And do you literally start on the bar by just standing on your toes after the muscle building and pointing exercises?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I know there is a minimum age, about 12 because your muscles haven't developed, but is there a maximum age to start? I'm 18. And do you literally start on the bar by just standing on your toes after the muscle building and pointing exercises?

It is best to start when you are at least 12 or 13 because this allows time for your feet to finish growing. Beginning too soon can damage muscles, tendons, bones, and growth plates, which can cause problems later in life and stunt the growth. There isn't a maximum age, as long as your feet, ankles, and calves are prepared. You do start at the barre, practicing rolling up to pointe and walking around the room. Some of the first things I learned were eshapes, pique turns, chainne turns, and pot a bourres. You will get stronger and then begin pirouettes, extensions, and other skills.

I hope I helped! You're never too old to start, and you won't know what it is like until you try ( :

I don't think there is a set starting age. I started when I was 12. I don't think that 18 is too old to start. When I started pointe, we just did rolling up and down at the barre to get the feel of the pointe shoes and to feel what part of the shoe you roll up on. As you get more advanced and used to your shoes, you will do more interesting and harder things on pointe. I remember when I started I was really bored because we didn't do much on pointe, I kept with it and now I am doing full variations on pointe.

Good Luck!!

never is there an age limit. i have been on toe shoes for years and love it. you do many exercises such as rolling through your shanks onto your toes. you will be in a lot of pain at first so invest in a good pair of toe pads. however, you soon get used to it and will absolutely love it. don't think your point classes will be straight forward there are many ways to do it without just standing at the barre. anyway i wish you well, have a great time!!!

no, 18 isn't too old. its never too old - well, unless your too old to dance ballet at all, obviously.
you start by doing a lot of releves on to pointe at the barre. and learning to roll through your shoe. its not very fun at first, but very important.