the 5 essential tests for pointe readiness

These five tests for pointe readiness were derived from a study conducted by a group of physical therapists treating dancers in New York City. These tests, encompassing core stability, ankle flexibility, and strength are the minimum requirements for a dancer to safely wear pointe shoes. These are guides not only for getting en pointe, but if you’re injured, what you need to work on.

video outline

0:00 Intro
0:38 5 tests for pointe readiness
1:06 Test 1 single leg sautés
1:16 Slow motion side view
1:32 Test 2 pencil test
2:31 Test 3 airplane test
2:59 Airplane test side view
3:16 Test 3 single leg élevé
4:04 Test 4 single pirouette
4:11 Single pirouette classical style
4:18 Single pirouette Balanchine style
4:25 Takeaways
5:43 A personal story