What is the best age to go on pointe?
There is no single correct age to start dancing on pointe. You have seen how your child’s physical growth follows its own unique pattern. Pointe readiness is also very individual, and it is determined by both physical development and technical growth.
A minimum age of 11 or 12 is often recommended, and dancers with several years of serious, regular training tend to be ready by age 12. Sometimes, it is more difficult for an older teen or adult to start pointe, because the feet might have less flexibility.
Nonetheless, there is no age-based universal rule. It is much better for dancers to wait a year or more to go on pointe, rather than to start without adequate readiness. Every dancer should be evaluated individually.
Learn more about pointe readiness in Russian Pointe’s exclusive interview with dance specialist Dr. Lisa Schoene.
