Please know that placing students en pointe is something that we take very seriously, for the protection of your dancer and their development. Below are the resources for parents of students who are preparing for their pointe shoe evaluation at 3-D Dance.

The basis of earning pointe shoes is the ability to solidly perform all the techniques in demi-pointé before proceeding to full pointe. The International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) asserts that dancers should be well-developed in the areas of strength, range of motion (ROM) and technique, so that there is “good trunk/abdominal/pelvic control, correct alignment of legs, and sufficient ankle/plantarflexion range of motion.” (Plantarflexion is the ability to point the foot down as if going en pointe). Screening x-rays to look at growth plate status are felt to be necessary as a safeguard against long-term damage. It emphasizes that going en pointe too early compromises technique development and risks confidence and worse yet, injury.

1. Pointe readiness packet. Read before the dancer’s Pointe evaluation.

2. Pointe Agreement form. Due before the dancer’s Pointe evaluation.

3. The Pointe Book take home test, to be taken by the dancer. Use THIS link to take the test.

Additionally, HERE is a link to the test questions in a document:

4. Doctor’s release: Due before the dancer’s Pointe evaluation.

5. Evaluation combo #1: To be performed at the dancer’s Pointe Evaluation

6. Evaluation combo #2: To be performed at the dancer’s Pointe Evaluation

Additional information from our 3-D Dance blog:

Is my Dancer Ready for Pointe?

The Dangers of Premature Pointe Placement