Pre-Pointe Assessments
Preparing Dancers for Safe and Confident Pointe Work
Foot Foundation’s Pre-Pointe Assessments combine expert clinical knowledge with a deep understanding of ballet to help dancers transition safely to pointe.
What is a Pre-Pointe Assessment?
A Pre-Pointe Assessment is a detailed evaluation of a dancer’s readiness for pointe work. It assesses strength, flexibility, alignment, and overall physical preparedness to ensure safe progression.
Our assessments prioritise injury prevention and long-term foot health while supporting each dancer’s artistic development.
Why Choose a Pre-Pointe Assessment at Foot Foundation?
Thorough Evaluation: We assess all aspects of pointe readiness, from foot mechanics to overall body strength.
Individualised Recommendations: Personalised advice tailored to each dancer’s specific needs.
Dance-Specific Expertise: Conducted by podiatrists with specialised ballet knowledge, ensuring recommendations align with the demands of pointe work.
What Sets Us Apart?
Ballet-Focused Expertise
We understand the physical and artistic demands of ballet, offering clinically sound and dance-appropriate recommendations.
Holistic Approach
Our assessments integrate podiatry, physiotherapy, and dance training insights for a well-rounded evaluation.
Ongoing Support
Whether you’re getting your first pair of pointe shoes or managing challenges after starting pointe, we’re here to guide you.
Your Pre-Pointe Assessment Experience
Comprehensive Evaluation
Foot and ankle strength testing
Range of motion and flexibility analysis
Postural alignment and turnout assessment
Core and overall body strength evaluation
Detailed Feedback and Personalised Plan
Clear recommendations on readiness for pointe work
Strengthening exercises targeting areas for improvement
Guidance on safe training and progression
Pointe Shoe Preparation
Expert advice on selecting the right pointe shoes
Tips for ensuring the best shoe fit and maintenance
The Benefits for Dancers
Injury Prevention
Identify potential risk factors early to reduce injury likelihood
Confidence on Pointe
Build the strength and technique needed for a smooth transition
Optimised Performance
Improve alignment, balance, and stability for enhanced dance quality
Pre-Pointe Assessments– FAQs
A pre-pointe assessment is a specialised screening for dancers to determine readiness for pointe work. It ensures that a dancer has the strength, flexibility, alignment, and technique required to safely progress onto pointe shoes.
Dancing en pointe places significant stress on the feet and ankles. An assessment helps to:
- Reduce the risk of injury
- Identify areas of weakness or imbalance
- Improve performance and technique
- Provide personalised strengthening and conditioning programs
At Foot Foundation, our assessments include:
- Review of dance history and training load
- Assessment of foot and ankle strength and flexibility
- Evaluation of turnout, alignment, and balance
- Gait and movement analysis
- Functional tests specific to ballet requirements
- Personalised recommendations for safe pointe progression
Our podiatrists and physiotherapists with expertise in dance medicine and foot biomechanics carry out the assessments. They work closely with dancers, parents, and dance teachers to support safe pointe readiness.
Most dancers are assessed between 11 and 14 years of age, once they have developed adequate physical maturity and technical proficiency. However, age alone does not determine readiness — strength, control, and technique are the key factors.
You will receive:
- A written report of findings
- A tailored exercise and strengthening program
- Guidance for ongoing training
- Recommendations for safe timing to begin pointe work
Pre-pointe assessments are available at the following Foot Foundation clinics:
- Remuera, Auckland
Book Your Pre-Pointe Assessment Today
Foot Foundation provides specialist pre-pointe screening—a comprehensive evaluation of strength, flexibility, alignment, turnout, and core control to support a safe, confident transition to pointe, with injury prevention and long-term foot health at the centre.
You’ll receive clear readiness status, an individualised strengthening and flexibility plan, guidance for safe training and progression, and pointe-shoe preparation and fit advice—delivered by podiatrists with ballet expertise.
Available at Foot Foundation Remuera (Auckland).
