POINTE LEVELS AND FAQ
From Term 2 (starting 20 April), our Pointe classes will move to a term enrolment structure to support consistent training and safe progression in pointe work.
Due to the technical nature of pointe, regular attendance is essential for building strength and technique. Moving to a term-based class ensures the class runs consistently and allows teachers to progress students safely.
Class details:
10-week term
$150 for the term
45 minute class
Minimum of 3 students required for the class to run
Students who notify the studio of an absence in advance will receive a class credit.
Our Tuesday lunchtime Pointe class will remain drop-in and can be used as additional training alongside the enrolment class.
Please note that dancers wishing to perform en pointe (including Nutcracker or concert performances) must attend a minimum of five consecutive Pointe classes leading up to the performance to ensure safe practice and preparation.
To sign up for a term head to our enrolment sign up page
OUR POINTE POLICY
At 6th Position, participation in our Pointe classes is subject to a successful physio assessment outcome.
There is no age limit to dancing en pointe, however, sound ballet technique, consistency and strength is very important. Your safety is our number one priority, and without appropriate training it can be damaging to your feet, ankles and knees.
Students will be advised if the teacher thinks they are ready to undertake the pointe assessment.
-
This class is designed for students wanting to improve their flexibility and stability in their toes, ankles and knees. You will perform a range of conditioning exercises followed by a centre class with drills designed to build your strength and alignment. It's not just for pointe students!
This class has been designed by Anouska over many years of training dancers for pointe work and attending courses with the renowned dance therapist and author of The Perfect Pointe System, Lisa Howell.
Students wishing to gain their pointe shoes need to be attending this class regularly. Once your teacher has seen significant improvement across all exercises in your demi-pointe and pointe ranges as well as stamina and alignment, you will be recommended for a pointe assessment with a Dance Physiotherapist. This is the final tick of approval to dancing en pointe!
This class is NOT an enrolment course.
-
This class is designed for students starting pointe for the first time. It begins with conditioning exercises followed by a class spent mostly at the barre.
Throughout the year students will move through drill-type ballet exercises that progress you to getting off the barre and dancing with confidence en pointe.
This class can also be attended by students wearing flats who are working towards the goal of pointe or recovering from an injury.
-
This class is designed for students proficient in the basics of pointe work. You will start with some conditioning and then warm-up at barre before moving towards much more centre work than seen at the Beginner level.
Students are progressing towards one-to-one-releves at the barre as well as poses, releves and echappe combinations and pirouettes in the centre.
-
This class is designed for students who are proficient pointe dancers with complex combinations and steps. Students who used to do pointe at an advanced level should still join the Elementary Pointe class first after a break of two or more years to build their strength back up.
OUR RECOMMENDED PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
ROZ PENFOLD
Atlas Sports and Dance Physiotherapy
LOUISE DRYSDALE
SportsTec
SOPHIE BUTLER
Gungahlin Physiotherapy
-
The amount of time will vary greatly depending on your individual strength, experience and any past injuries. For some dancers with a lot of experience, it may only take a few months, however for others it may take a few years.
Your safety is most important and moving onto pointe too quickly can be dangerous. We recommend focussing on how you can improve your own strength and technique rather than comparing yourself against anyone else.
We also have a number of dance physios that we regularly recommend that can provide additional targeted exercises specific to your needs. As these physios are involved in the final sign-off for pointe shoes, working with them at the same time you’re attending classes with us, may help to get you there faster.
Email us for further details. -
6th Position reserves the right to advise discretion regarding the physio assessment for dancers who have recent experience dancing en pointe.
Please email studio@6thposition.com.au with information regarding your experience, including any exams or assessments you have previously undertaken.
You may be asked to attend an assessment if the teacher has concerns for your safety, or if there has been an extended break since you last danced en pointe.
-
We recommend joining any ballet technique as well as any Dance Conditioning or Floor Barre classes. A foundation of strong core and alignment as well as being able to perform regular ballet steps proficiently is key mastering pointe work.
Any Dance Conditioning or Floor Barre class is open to all dancers regardless of their dance style.
Additionally, we recommend taking at least two ballet classes per week to maintain your basic ballet strength and technique.
-
Yes absolutely! In fact it is highly encouraged. Tappers, jazz dancers, lyrical and contemporary dancers or anyone doing heels work will benefit from having stronger ankles, calf muscles and better stamina.
This class may be called “pre-pointe” but you can absolutely use it for injury prevention and when you’re cleared to dance again, injury recovery. -
Bloch
Shop 16, First Floor Style Arcade Manuka
14-16 Franklin St, Griffith ACT
Book your fitting here
Attitude Australia
Mitchell Store - Level 1, 53-55 Heffernan Street, Mitchell ACT 2911
Book your fitting here
How to sew ribbons onto your pointe shoes:
https://youtu.be/M74oEzzfXes?si=7JvTelRfK0S8Hdt8
Do NOT break your pointe shoes in at home. Bring them to your first class with the ribbons sewn on, but without cutting the rest of the ribbons down. Your teacher will check you have sewn them correctly.