Starting to dance en pointe is one of the most exciting times in a young ballet dancer’s life. However, it is important to remember that dancing on the toes is not a typical function of the human foot. If a dancer does not have adequate range of motion, strength and or/stability, it can place excessive stress not only on the foot and ankle, but also on the leg, pelvic girdle, and trunk. A pre-pointe assessment is designed to assess a dancer’s readiness for pointe in order to prevent pain and lifelong injury.
At the Body Refinery, our physiotherapist Courtney has been trained to conduct in-depth pre-pointe assessments and prepare dancers for the demands of pointe work.
The Initial Pre-Pointe Assessment is one hour long. This allows our physiotherapist time to obtain a detailed history and assess posture, ballet technique, range of movement, strength and core stability in a friendly environment. Courtney will then develop an exercise program for the dancer to take home to address any weaknesses in these areas and ensure a safe progression onto pointe.
Clients will also have time to ask questions so that they understand every step of the program that our physiotherapist will tailor for them. After the assessment, a report will be provided to the dancer’s teacher outlining the results and exercises prescribed.
Follow up sessions may be required to monitor the dancer’s progress and ensure all of the requirements are met prior to going en pointe.
Depending on each dancer’s goals (and whether there are any existing injuries), Courtney may recommend clinical exercise sessions including Pilates. Clients may choose between private sessions, where they will have 100% of Courtney’s attention, or experience the benefits of joining one of our classes.
Whether you are training to be a professional dancer or taking dance classes for fun, we can help you reach your goals.
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Book your pre-pointe assessment today with physiotherapist Courtney. Create your profile to book through our online system or call 07 3358 3915!
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