A ballet student advancing to pointe shoes is a milestone moment in a young dancer’s life. The age of readiness varies, but most students must train for at least three or four years—dancing three to five days a week — to attain the physical strength, flexibility and stability required to graduate to pointe. The transition elevates a dancer’s status from student level to pre-professional.
The School at Steps, in Manhattan’s upper west side, celebrates the occasion with an annual Pointe Shoe Workshop & Fair. This year, 15 young dancers advanced to pointe. In a ceremony marking their achievement, each girl received a pink rose, with teachers, staff, students and their families in attendance, followed by an engaging and informative panel discussion and fair, presented by ballet pointe shoe manufacturers and fitters.
“I started dancing at 3 years old and went on pointe when I was 10,” New York City Ballet soloist Savannah Lowery told the audience. “My teachers were strict, the shoes were narrow, and there was no padding. Soft supple feet become tougher and stronger. As a professional, I learned how to take of my feet,” she explained. “I dance so much now that I can go through three pairs of shoes in one day! But even after 20 years on pointe, I am still learning things in the process, and its still very exciting.”
“There is no exact age or amount of training that determines if and when one is ready to start pointe training,” explained Lisa Lockwood, a former dancer and master teacher at the School at Steps. “The student’s dance instructor makes that determination. It is dependent upon the young dancer’s foot strength, structure and flexibility—and her body type.” Dance training is extremely competitive, but she offered some reassuring advice. “You can still continue your dance training, up to the professional level, even if you are not suited for pointe shoes.”
An informative panel of experts presented instruction to help the girls take healthy care of their feet and shoes. Podiatrist John Brummer gave preventative advice about common foot conditions and injuries. Shoe fitter Mary Carpenter explained the importance of carefully selecting the proper pointe shoe suited to a dancer’s unique foot type.
With about 800 dance students ages 2-18, the workshop and fair are a part of The School at Steps’ health and wellness program. “We offer resources and guidance on issues including injury prevention and recovery, physical therapy, nutrition, and emotional wellness,” explains director Kate Thomas. “Informing our dancers about these issues is a crucial component of the complete dance education at our school.”
