Abstract
Advancing to pointe requires sufficient maturity, strength, and flexibility and adequate ballet training to develop the skills which usually occurs between the ages 11 and 13. Health practitioners can provide studios with an objective assessment to determine if a young dancer is ready to transition to en pointe. The evaluator should be proficient in ballet, because the evaluation largely is dance based and includes a history and physical examination as well as a comprehensive assessment. The plan includes health improvement tips and summarizes technique flaws as well as exercises to improve these and other deficits. The goal is to transition dancers safely to pointe.
