Intro to Pointe is a Fall semester class in which students wear pointe shoes for the first time, and learn the surprisingly complicated technique involved in safely standing up and moving around while wearing pointe shoes. In the process, they begin to develop an understanding of how wearing pointe shoes can change the way one does the ballet techniques they have already learned in flat ballet shoes. While it is not fully rigorous classical pointe program, it is still a powerful source of enrichment for CSDC students.
Enrollment for this class is on an invitation-only basis for existing Quatrième and Épaulement students at the discretion of the instructor. This is important, because students who lack the proper mental and physical preparation are at increased risk of injury when doing pointe work.
Dancers who accept an invitation to Intro to Pointe will each be individually evaluated. They will be assigned the proper type of pointe shoes for their particular ability level, to be fitted with the assistance of the instructor. They will also be assigned movements that are appropriate for their ability level, each of which is focused on improving their ankle flexibility, ankle strength, turn-out, and stability. All of this is designed to ensure that each student can participate in the class safely.
Participants in Intro to Pointe are required to commit to attending two ballet technique classes each week in addition to Intro to Point. Épaulement students must take the Tuesday 6:30 and Thursday 6:30 ballet technique classes, and Quatrième students must attend the Tuesday 6:30 and the Thursday 4:30 ballet technique classes.
Students who make enough progress in Intro to Pointe may be invited to join Pointe A starting in January, at the discretion of the instructor.