There are generally five basic requirements that a dancer needs to meet before she goes on pointe. Generally, before the ages between ten and twelve, a dancer’s feet and legs are not strong enough to go on pointe. 

Before she goes on pointe, the dancer needs to have completed several years of dance training in order to master the form, strength, and alignment required to make a successful transition. The proper technique is necessary to reduce the risk of injury.

In order for the dancer to maintain the level of strength and flexibility needed for pointe, a dancer must formally practice a minimum of three times per week. The pointe component of a dance class should follow the ballet portion of the class; this should usually extend the class by half of an hour. Practicing in this manner helps ensure that the body, particularly the feet and ankles, is properly warmed up.

Before joining a pointe class, a dancer must be properly evaluated by her ballet instructor to ascertain whether she is physically ready to handle the demands of pointe. The teacher should check for sufficient turn out, body position and alignment, strength and balance, and mastery of fundamental ballet techniques.

There is also an element of emotional maturity that is needed to do pointe, which is very hard work. The dancer needs to understand that going on pointe will occasionally result in blisters and sore feet, especially during the first few months.

A dancer on pointe should only ever use the top quality pointe shoes. Therefore, she should buy Capezio dance shoes from the same trusted supplier that sells her other Capezio dancewear.