Pointe Classes are held at the end of technique classes.  At Reaching Heart Center there is no magic age when pointe shoes are earned.   It is based on many factors including: a child's strength, ankle stability, shape of the foot, overall dance skills, regularity of dancing and the amount of years a child has danced.   The average age ar RHC  for the dedicated advanced student to graduate into pointe shoes is approximately 12 years of age.

Safety is our primary concern in recommending a child for pointe.  It is always better to be patient and make certain a child is really ready instead of worrying about making them happy by prematurely putting them on Pointe.   Pre-pointe classes are recommended to students in ballet 4 and up who are hoping to eventually dance on pointe.  Pre pointe includes many exercises which will strength the feet. 

Pointe classes are an additional fee of $200 for the year added to the regular course fee($230 for Saturday classes).   If a child coes not wish to ever dance on pointe shoes they can elect out of the pointe/ pre pointe classes.

Pointe classes consist of barre work, center work, and combinations that move across the floor.  Students at the Ballet 6/7 level often do their entire barre on pointe for additional strengthening.  Students should always have two active pairs of pointe shoes available so they are never without good shoes.