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Ballet Pointe Exercises

Learning to dance en pointe is extremely difficult and can take months, if not years, to achieve and perfect. Pointe work is one of the most challenging forms of dance and can cause serious damage to the feet and ankles if not properly executed. Some exercises can help ease you into pointe work and can decrease the likelihood of injury. Ballet dancers attempting pointe work should also work on strengthening their leg, abdominal and buttock muscles as those muscles are essential for successful pointe work.

  1. Battlement Tendue

    • Hold the barre and stretch out one leg, ending with a point. Bring the extended leg in and out, then switch to the other leg. This exercise helps warm up your legs, build your muscles and improve your turnout. It can be done to the front, back or side.

    Rond de Jambe

    • Keep one foot on the ground while extending your other leg into the air and moving it in a circle. First, move your leg in a clockwise direction, then counterclockwise, holding the barre at all times. Repeat on the other leg.This exercise improves turnout and flexibility.

    Releve

    • Hold the barre and practice going up on the balls of your feet. Your feet and ankles must have maximum strength and flexibility in order to dance en pointe.

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Ballet

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