06/09/2026
At SDS Griffith, we do not believe children should be placed into pointe shoes simply because they have reached a certain age.
Pointe work can place significant pressure on developing feet and ankles. Starting before a dancer is physically and technically ready may increase the risk of:
• Stress fractures and overuse injuries
• Foot, ankle and tendon problems
• Poor alignment and unsafe technique
• Ongoing pain and long-term damage
Before commencing pointe, a dancer needs:
• A strong foundation in classical ballet
• Several years of consistent ballet training
• Strong feet, ankles and core
• Correct alignment, control and technique
• Individual assessment—not approval based on age alone
Pointe should only be taught by a suitably qualified and experienced classical ballet teacher with knowledge of anatomy, physical development, pointe technique and injury prevention. Simply having worn pointe shoes does not automatically qualify someone to teach pointe safely.
As a former professional dancer, I never needed to wear pointe shoes beyond my early training, and this did not prevent me from having a successful career in dance.
Some ballet examinations may require a small amount of carefully supervised pointe work. However, unless a student is genuinely working towards a career as a professional ballerina, we do not believe extensive pointe training is necessary.
Pointe shoes are not a measure of a dancer’s talent or progress. At SDS Griffith, the long-term health and safety of our dancers will always come first. 🖤💛
