We are excited to announce an Adult Beginner Pointe Workshop Series this Fall!

Mondays, November 4 through December 16, 2024

8:50pm-9:50pm: Beginner Pointe Workshop with Rachel

Beginner Pointe Workshop Fee: $140+HST

*Note: It is expected that dancers take Beginner Plus Ballet before Pointe. It is not safe to take Pointe as a “stand-alone” class, you must be fully warmed-up. Beginner Plus Ballet class is not included in the workshop fee.

To Register:

Call: 416-406-3262

Email: info@joyofdance.ca

Or sign up online:

Description:

This 6 week Beginner Pointe workshop focuses on correct alignment and posture to enable safe beautiful pointe work. We begin each class in bare feet, spending 15 minutes on strengthening exercises for the toes, feet and calves. We then put on our pointe shoes for simple barre exercises and slowly work up your skills until you are ready to dance very simple enchainements in the center.

Prerequisites:
At least 3 years of (recent) ballet training.
Currently taking ballet classes regularly at a Beginner Plus to Elementary level.
Find level descriptions here:

If you have questions about your readiness, please email Ballet Program Director, Emily Tench, at emilyjtench@gmail.ca

Preparation:

To strengthen your feet in preparation for pointe please follow along with the video linked below at least 3x/week.

Pre-Pointe Training Exercises

Please review the information below on purchasing your first pair of pointe shoes.

Purchasing Your First Pointe Shoes

Dancers should consult with their ballet teacher about what to look for in a shoe.

For advice, please attend:

Mondays 7:15-8:45pm Beginner Plus Ballet – Rachel Zinck

Sundays 10:00-11:30am Elementary Ballet – Naya Valdellon

Here are a list of things to consider:

– Buy your shoes from experienced fitters. I would suggest heading to DanceShoppe at Sheppard and Yonge St. as they do not require an appointment, have excellent fitters and a great relationship with Joy of Dance Centre .

– Your toes must be able to remain straight and not cross in the shoe while standing flat and on pointe.

– Your toes should be held snugly together and feel well supported by the box, vamp and wings. (See Attached Diagram). The shoe will not be “comfortable”, it will be tight.

– If you have a wide space between your big toe and second toe you will probably need a toe spacer to prevent bunions from forming. You can buy these at the same time to purchase your shoes.

– Beginner pointe students should buy a shoe with a soft shank (supportive sole). Your feet will not yet be strong enough to control and work through a medium or strong shank.

– All the other “specs” of the pointe shoe will depend on the shape of your foot. It can take some trial and error to land on your “perfect pair”. So do be open to the idea that for your next pair of shoes you may want to try something different.

– DO NOT SEW ON YOUR RIBBONS OR ELASTICS until the shoe has been checked by your teacher. Most of the time the fitters make a great choice, however once in a while the teacher will feel that the shoe is not appropriate and ask you to exchange it. You can not exchange or return shoes that have had ribbons or elastics sewn on.

– DO NOT PUT YOUR SHOES ON AT HOME UNTIL AFTER YOUR FIRST LESSON! This is dangerous and can result in injury.

– DO NOT “BREAK IN” YOUR SHOES. Wait until your teacher gives you guidance on what you can do to prepare your shoes. As a beginner, you will likely need to do very little to prepare your shoes, your feet should do most of the work.