Our Pre-Pointe and Beginner Pointe classes follow 4 Pointe method curriculum. 4 Pointe is a method founded by Lynne Charles, Master Teacher, former Principal Dancer with English National Ballet and current Artistic Director of English National Ballet School.
4 Pointe method focuses on 4 elements:
- alignment of the foot and leg;
- strengthening of the muscles in the foot and leg;
- articulation of the foot and ankle;
- repetition of the exercises at different tempos and intensity.
You book for a whole term but it is possible to join mid-term or for drop in classes.
Pointe Classes Levels:
4 Pointe Pre-Pointe Class
4 Pointe Pre-Pointe Class is a class for students interested in dancing on pointe one day.
All levels are welcome, even absolute beginners! This class helps strengthen the feet, ankles, calves, turnout muscles as well as back and abdominal muscles. Begin your pointe journey here through gentle stretches and strengthening exercises to prepare the feet and body for pointe work.
What do you need? You will need a towel, a small pilates ball, a small firm ball (raquet ball) for foot massage, and a theraband. In this class, you can wear socks or soft ballet flats.
This class is for everyone, even for those who never plan to dance on point.
4 Pointe Beginner Pointe Class
4 Pointe Beginner Pointe Class is a class for students learning the fundamentals of pointe work. In general, students are required to take a minimum one and a half to two years of ballet class 2-3 times per week as well as 6 months of pre-pointe class before joining, but this is determined on an individual basis.
The first entire year is focused on barre work with two hands on the barre.
This class is by invitation.
Intermediate Pointe Class
Intermediate Pointe Class takes what we learned in 4 Pointe Beginner Pointe Class and begins to explore exercises with one hand on the barre as well as simple exercises in the center.
This class is by invitation.
Pointe Classes FAQs
Find even more answers on the FAQ page!
How does a typical Pre-Pointe/Pointe class go?
4 Pointe Pre-Pointe or Pointe Class are classes where we work with two hands on the barre to focus on alignment, articulation, and strengthening of the foot and leg.
What equipment do I need for a Pre-Pointe class?
You will need a towel, a small pilates ball, a small firm ball (raquet ball), and a theraband.
Can I do Pre-Pointe Class if I am an absolute beginner in ballet?
All are welcome to Pre-Pointe class, even if students never plans to dance on point. Pre-Pointe helps all students in their ballet journey through refining technique and targeting the turnout muscles.
Can I sign up for a Pointe class right away?
Pointe class is by invitation. Please contact us to see which class would be best for you. In general, a student is required to have danced 1-2 years consistently taking at least 2 ballet technique classes and one pre-pointe class per week before going on pointe. They should have a strong technical foundation in ballet and are given a pre pointe assessment to determine areas that need more flexibility or strength before going up on pointe. This is a universal requirement for all dancers including adult ballet dancers to safely approach pointe work.
