PRE-POINTE ASSESSMENTS

Pre-Pointe Assessments at Body Lab

A pre-pointe assessment is a screening test for ballet dancers to ensure the dancer has the physical capacity to safely progress to going en pointe. Our physiotherapists who take these appointments all have dance experience, so you will be receiving guidance by someone who understands the art, language and physical demands of dance. Pointe work can increase the load on the structures of the foot by up to 12 times your body weight, so the dancer needs to have sufficient lower limb strength, foot/ankle/hip range of movement and alignment to cope with these loads to avoid injury.

During your assessment, your physiotherapist will ask about your dance history, current dancing load, goals and previous injuries. They will then ask you to complete a range of tests to assess whether you are ready to start using pointe shoes.

What is a Dance Assessment compared to a Pre-Pointe Assessment?

A pre-pointe assessment is simply a report created and sent to your dance teacher with your strengths and concerns for the transition to en pointe. A Dance Assessment is a comprehensive assessment of the dancer surpassing simply en pointe readiness. The physiotherapists will look at important components of a dancer such as:

Foot and ankle strength, mobility and balance
Hip, knee and ankle strength and alignment
Core strength and alignment including body awareness
Technique in common ballet repertoire

Based on performance they will then create an exercise program to assist high quality dance performance and to focus on the general strengths required of a dancer to prevent injuries.

What to Expect in a Pre-Pointe Assessment?

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FAQs

Ideally, a minimum of 3-6 months before planning to go en pointe and before you have purchased your pointe shoes. However, it is never too late and these appointments can be used as a dance profile to ensure ongoing support while dancing en pointe.
A pre-pointe assessment is a once off assessment, simply identifying areas of strength and concern, which is considered mandatory by most dance schools before going en pointe. If you would like a comprehensive dance assessment that includes a strength-based program to address these concerns please book in for a Dance Assessment. It is important to note that whilst uncommon some dancers might not be suitable for en pointe due to foot and ankle flexibility and be required to resit the assessment at a later date.
It is generally about 30 minutes long. If wanting a comprehensive dance assessment these go for 60 minutes and can include the pre point assessment.
Due to the practical nature of the assessment please wear comfortable clothing. Most dancers prefer to wear tighter shorts/ leggings so that the physiotherapist is able to see joint angles and technique. Additionally, please bring your current dance shoes to the appointment.
Our pre point assessments cost $120 for the half an hour and include a report sent to the dance teacher of our findings and recommendations.