Pre Pointe Assessments in the Bayside Area

It is the dream of many young dancer’s to dance en pointe. We are delighted to announce The Foot Centre Group now offers pre-pointe assessment to young ballet dancers to ensure their safe transition from ballet shoes to dancing en pointe.

Our podiatrist, Courtney, has a specialized interest in dance, dancing styles including ballet for 18 years and going en pointe herself at the age of 10. Issy is passionate about foot strength and injury-prevention and could not be more thrilled to be a part of one of the most exciting transitions each young ballet dancer undertakes.

Why do you need a pre pointe assessment:

Dancing en pointe results in force up to 12 times body weight through each young dancer’s toes every pirouette, releve and arabesque. Thus, pre-pointe assessments assess each young dancer’s strength, stability and control. This is an essential gateway to commencing pointe work as it highlights areas that may need further strengthening or stability so that each dancer can begin pointe work safely and comfortably.

Studies report 72% of all dance injuries are found in the legs and feet. Pre pointe assessments help screen for potential sites of injury in each individual in order to develop a personalised preventative program to aid safe commencement of pointe work.

Book a pre pointe assessment with Courtney at our Edithvale or Moorabbin clinics.

Any young dancer aspiring to go en pointe should have a pre pointe assessment. We suggest dancers looking to begin pointe work should:

• Attend 2 or more ballet lessons a week
• Have been studying ballet for a minimum of 5 years
• Are 11 years of age or older (although eager young dancers are welcome to attend to get a head start on their strengthening programs)
• Have the willingness and maturity to commence dancing en pointe

What does a pre pointe assessment involve:

Pre pointe assessments involve a range of strength and stability assessments. Our podiatrists will look at:

• Dance history and Injury history
• Turn out range
• Ankle range of motion (how pointy are your feet)
• Releve endurance and control, we would like to see 20 strong rises per foot
• Ankle, knee and hip stability, good alignment through the pelvis, legs
  and the feet.
• Core control and postural stability across a variety of ballet positions

Each dancer will have time to practice each movement before commencing each portion of the assessment and will be provided rest in between each assessment if needed so they can give their best efforts to each assessment.