What You'll Learn
- Perform the Pencil Test to determine if your ankle and midfoot range of motion is sufficient to get over the box of a pointe shoe.
- Use the Airplane Test to identify weaknesses in the glutes, core, and foot intrinsics by monitoring knee and pelvic alignment during parallel plié.
- Evaluate pirouette mechanics through the Topple Test, aiming for a full relevé and controlled landing from fourth position.
- Assess calf endurance by performing 20 single-leg heel lifts while maintaining full relevé height and a straight knee.
- Utilize the Sauté Test to check for neutral pelvic alignment and soft landing mechanics across 16 repetitions.
About This Video
Transitioning to en pointe is a monumental milestone in any dancer’s journey, particularly for the dedicated adult student. However, the physical demands of dancing on the tips of the toes require more than just dedication; they require objective structural readiness and functional strength. In this 25-minute specialized class hosted by Broche Ballet, Dr.
T. (The Pointe Doc), provides an in-depth guide to pre-pointe assessments tailored for the unique needs of adult dancers. The core of this session focuses on five diagnostic special tests to determine if your body is prepared for the rigors of the pointe shoe box.
We begin with the Pencil Test to evaluate your ankle and midfoot range of motion. Having a sufficient line from the shin to the toes is crucial to ensure you can fully get over your shoes without putting undue stress on the anterior ankle. We then transition to the Airplane Test, which targets the functional stability of your glutes, core, and foot intrinsics during a parallel plié.
Maintaining a level pelvis while pitching the torso forward—simulating a functional arabesque—is a key indicator of readiness. Endurance is the unsung hero of injury prevention. Dr.
Nina guides you through a rigorous assessment of single-leg heel lifts. You will learn why performing 20 repetitions with a straight knee and maximum relevé height is the standard for safety. Furthermore, the Sauté Test evaluates your ability to maintain neutral pelvic alignment and soft landing mechanics across multiple repetitions.
For those focusing on technical precision, the Topple Test analyzes your pirouette mechanics, demanding a controlled balance in passé and a clean landing from a fourth position preparation. This class emphasizes the importance of video self-analysis, allowing you to see alignment issues that are often missed in the mirror. By understanding these criteria, adult dancers can address specific musculoskeletal weaknesses before they lead to injury.
