Dear Katie: Why Won't My Teachers Put Me on Pointe?

April 23, 2019


In our “Dear Katie” series, MCB soloist Kathryn Morgan answers your pressing dance questions. Have something you want to ask Katie? Email
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for a chance to be featured!

Dear Katie,

I’m 14 and have been studying ballet seriously for about three years. Even though I feel ready,

my teachers haven’t put me on pointe yet
. Am I doing something wrong? Should I ask them about it, or is it pointe-less?

Leilani

Dear Leilani,

You need to have a meeting with your teachers. Tell them how eager you are to dance on pointe, and ask them what you need to work on. Prepare yourself for what they might say, because it could be difficult to hear. They might think your ankles aren’t strong enough yet; they might tell you that your technique isn’t where it needs to be.

Hard as those kinds of criticisms are to take, though, they’re constructive. They’ll tell you exactly what you need to work on to achieve your goal! And no matter what your teachers say, keep working on proper technique and alignment on your own. That way, whenever the time comes for you to don that first pair of pointe shoes, you’ll be ready.

For more of Katie’s helpful tips and advice, click
here
.