Pre-pointe assessments are essential for young dancers preparing to transition to pointe work. These assessments ensure a safe, well-supported progression by evaluating strength, control, and readiness. At Peak Physio, our dance-trained physiotherapists provide objective, detailed evaluations tailored to each dancer’s needs. Our team works with you to help prevent injury and support longevity in dance.
Who Is It For?
- Dancers aged 9–14 preparing to commence pointe work
- Dance students with a history of lower limb injury
- Pre-professional dancers transitioning to full-time training
- Dance schools seeking collaborative clearance processes
- Parents seeking clarity on their child’s physical readiness
- Coaches or teachers wanting objective screening support
What to Expect
- Postural screening and lower limb alignment checks
- Foot and ankle strength, balance and motor control testing
- Hip, knee and spinal range of motion assessments
- Ballet-specific functional testing in neutral and turnout
- Identification of red flags or high-risk asymmetries
- Individualised recommendations for conditioning or rehab
- A detailed report sent to caregivers and dance instructors
- Guidance on safe timelines to commence pointe training
Benefits & Outcomes
- Reduced risk of injury during pointe training
- Greater confidence for dancers and families
- Improved dance technique and control
- Early detection of strength or flexibility deficits
- Stronger collaboration between dancers, physios, and teachers
- Support for long-term performance and training capacity
- Objective measurements to track progress and growth
Contraindications & Safety
Pointe work places considerable load on the foot and ankle. A pre-pointe assessment helps identify risks, but in some cases, delayed progression may be recommended. This includes:
- Persistent or recurrent lower limb injuries
- Delayed neuromuscular development or balance issues
- Insufficient strength for full weight-bearing en pointe
- Poor adherence to prior rehab or strength programming
Our assessments prioritise the dancer’s safety and long-term potential. We liaise closely with dance schools and families to ensure recommendations are clear and collaborative.
Frequently Asked Questions
- At what age should my child have a pre-pointe assessment?
- Most assessments occur between ages 9–12, depending on training load and physical maturity.
- Do you liaise with my child’s dance school?
- Yes. We provide a report and are happy to speak directly with instructors.
- What should my child wear to the assessment?
- A leotard and stockings are preferred, with hair tied off the neck. Slippers can be brought, but the assessment is largely barefoot.
- Will they be allowed to start pointe immediately after?
- Not always. We may recommend strength or flexibility work first to ensure safety.
- Is follow-up recommended?
- Yes. Ongoing conditioning or clinical pilates sessions can help address any flagged areas and support readiness.
Further Reading
