Pointe technique
[2] Typically, dance teachers consider factors such as age, experience, strength and alignment when deciding whether to allow a dancer to begin pointe work.
Proper technique is also evident from a dancer's body alignment, by visualizing a straight line that extends from the center of the hip through the toes.
In cases of unusually high instep or metatarsal joint flexibility, it is sometimes necessary to flex the toes to achieve proper alignment.
To transition to en pointe via piqué, a dancer will step out directly onto a fully extended, vertical foot.
The more abrupt sauté method, which was introduced by Enrico Cecchetti,[5] is typically used in allegros, where the relatively slow and smooth relevé and piqué transitions would be both impractical and visually inconsistent with the lively pace of movement.
[2][3] Strong core strength ensures the dancer maintains their center and prevents them from rolling their feet when dancing en pointe.
[2] For example, before learning pointe work, a dancer must be able to maintain turnout while performing center combinations, hold a proper ballet position with straight back and good turnout, pull up properly in the legs, and balance securely in a relevé that is perpendicular to the floor.
Preparation for pointe work is a gradual process that begins with barre exercises to develop the requisite strength in ankles, feet, legs and core often known as pre-pointe classes.
[2][12] However, it is at the discretion of the dance instructor to determine if one year of pre-pointe is sufficient or if the dancer needs more time to prepare.
[12] Dancing en pointe stresses the feet in various ways and thus can potentially cause injuries if the dancer does not plan ahead or take into account health and safety concerns.
Injuries can result from improper technique, poorly fitting pointe shoes, and lack of effective cushioning and accessories.
[2] Some types of injuries are prevented by adhering to proper technique such as: correct upper-body positioning, maintaining straight knees when required, keeping body weight centered over the box of the shoes, and avoiding sickling.
This is typically prevented by keeping toenails clipped short, by wrapping tape around the toes, by using padding, or combinations of these.
Every other activity of the human foot, walking, running, jumping, has been part of its evolutionary journey from arboreal to bipedal locomotion[15] - dancing en pointe has not.
