Directory:
Pointe | Pointe FAQ | Student Ensemble Program | Charlottesville Ballet Trainee Program | Keith Lee Dance Fund (Financial Assistance)
POINTE
All students must pass a pointe examination before beginning pointe. Schedule yours by filling out the form below. Please email Placement Manager Izabelly Gleed at [email protected] with any questions.
Eligibility:
- Ages 12 & Up
- CBA Level 3 & Up AND 3+ years of ballet training
- Currently taking two 90-minute ballet classes (3-4 classes strongly encouraged)
Before testing, the student must have reviewed and practiced the requirements on the Pointe Readiness document.
Pointe is the technique wherein a dancer supports all body weight on the tips of fully extended feet. Students build strength at barre and progress to center work.
View our most recent Pointe Readiness Workshop
with Dr. Heather Snyder here!
After passing the exam, students must:
- Undergo a medical screening: To ensure their bones have developed and there will be minimal injury risk
- Be fitted for pointe shoes: Reach out to your dancewear supplier to schedule a fitting
- Sew their own pointe shoes: Email [email protected] if you’d like to schedule a pointe sewing lesson for your child
Once students have completed these steps, they are eligible for pointe at LBA; please remember to review our By Placement Requirements & attend a full ballet class before pointe for safety!
POINTE FAQ
My child is close to testing for pointe. Can they sign up for the Pointe 1 class?
Yes, students who are preparing for the pointe exam may enroll and attend Pre-Pointe/Pointe 1. They will take this class on flat to strengthen the ankles and feet for pointe!
What classes should my child take to prepare for pointe?
Students aspiring to pointe work should aim to be in a minimum of two 90-minute ballet classes a week. Strength & conditioning exercises at home or a gym are also a great way to develop flexibility, strength, and alignment to prepare for pointe.
My child is eleven but meets all other criteria for the pointe exam. Is it possible to test anyways?
Yes, 11-year-olds who are familiar with all the pointe exam requirements may still test; however, they will automatically “fail” the age requirement aspect. As such, they must successfully execute all other requirements to pass. Pointe comes with elevated risk, and even more so to our younger dancers; this criteria ensures the adequate strength and technique to minimize risk of injury.
When should we schedule our medical screening / buy shoes?
We ask that all students please do NOT schedule a medical screening until after they have passed the pointe exam.
Similarly, we ask that you do not schedule for a pointe shoe fitting until you have both passed the exam and been cleared medically.
What should I do with my medical clearance?
Please bring your medical clearance to any Front Desk staff or MOD; they will scan it, return the paper copy, and apply the new info to your Jackrabbit account.
Do I need skin-toned pointe shoes?
For LBA classes, students must match shoes to the color of their tights—both pink and skin-toned options are allowed. For performances with both our academy and our professional company, skin-toned will be required.
How can I get skin-toned pointe shoes?
Certain brands sell skin-toned pointe shoes. Additionally, many dancers opt to “pancake” their shoes (a process of applying makeup to color the satin & elastics) for the closest match; pointe teachers will explain and practice this concept with students as needed.
STUDENT ENSEMBLE PROGRAM
For dancers seeking extra training and performance opportunities while maintaining flexibility to pursue other activities—no audition needed. For questions about this program, please contact Student Ensemble Manager Emily Corrigan at [email protected].
Requirements:
- LBA Ballet Level 4 & Up
- Enrolled in at least 2 ballet, 1 additional genre, & 1 Student Ensemble rehearsal classes
- Continued summer training encouraged to maintain skills
Performance opportunities may include: Student Ensemble-specific showcases at libraries, senior centers, and community events; & additional repertoire presented in LBA’s annual Spring Performance
TRAINEE PROGRAM
The Academy’s Trainee Program offers advanced instruction for students planning a professional dance career. Building on their training in the Student & By Placement Division, dancers in the Trainee Program will continue to develop technical and artistic skills with unique performance opportunities alongside the professional company dancers of Charlottesville Ballet.
At this advanced level, the healthy, holistic environment of the Academy is paramount; dancers need the highest level of training to prepare them for a career in the competitive dance world. Charlottesville Ballet’s focus on dancer health and well-being nurtures talented young artists, arming them with the tools to have long, healthy careers in any dance field.
WE OFFER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Charlottesville Ballet is dedicated to providing dance training to students and families from all backgrounds. Financial assistance is available for all families that qualify, with distribution determined by the amount of financial resources available for the current season.