PRE POINTE ASSESSMENTS
Your Buderim Podiatrist for Ballet Dancers
Ready to start pointe work? Ensure you’re prepared with a professional pre pointe assessment in Buderim.
Transitioning to pointe shoes is a major milestone for young ballet dancers. But progressing too soon can lead to serious injuries—including stress fractures, tendon damage, and chronic foot or ankle pain.
At Buderim Foot and Ankle, our experienced podiatrists provide thorough pre pointe assessments to help dancers safely and confidently begin their pointe journey.
What Is a Pre Pointe Assessment?
A pre pointe assessment is a detailed clinical evaluation conducted by a podiatrist with a deep understanding of ballet technique and anatomy. It determines whether a dancer has the strength, control, flexibility, and technical foundation needed to safely begin training en pointe.
Your assessment will cover:
- Ballet training history and dance syllabus (RAD, Cecchetti, etc.)
- Age and growth stage
- Past or current injuries
- Foot posture and alignment
- Intrinsic foot and ankle strength
- Core and hip stability
- Turnout range and control
- Overall ballet technique
We work closely with dance teachers and studios across the Sunshine Coast to ensure the dancer’s readiness aligns with both clinical and artistic expectations.
Why Is a Pre Pointe Assessment Important?
Dancing en pointe places extreme demands on the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. Without adequate strength and technique, dancers risk injuries such as:
- Stress fractures in the toes and metatarsals
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Ankle sprains and instability
- Long-term joint pain or deformities
A pointe readiness assessment is vital for injury prevention and long-term performance. Our podiatrists are trained in biomechanics and dance-specific podiatry, ensuring each dancer receives a personalised plan for safe progression.
When Should I Book a Pre Pointe Assessment?
We recommend booking a pre pointe evaluation approximately six months before your ballet class is scheduled to begin pointe work.
For example:
- Cecchetti dancers: before Grade 5
- Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) students: before Intermediate Foundation
This lead time allows dancers to complete strengthening programs and technique improvements tailored to their unique needs—giving them the best chance of success en pointe.
What Should I Wear to My Assessment?
Please wear:
- A ballet leotard with convertible tights, or
- Fitted activewear that allows us to see posture, alignment, and muscle control.
Bring your current ballet shoes and any relevant medical or dance training history.
Book Your Pre Pointe Assessment on the Sunshine Coast
Our Buderim podiatrists are passionate about supporting young dancers through every step of their ballet journey. We offer dance-specific podiatry care, injury prevention, and performance optimisation.
Ensure your transition to pointe is safe, supported, and successful.
ABOUT US
With a second degree in human movement studies, keeping you moving well is our priority. We provide general foot care services. We also offer more specialist services in biomechanical assessment and orthotic prescription.
ADDRESS
Shop 9, 45 Burnett Street
Buderim, Queensland 4556
CALL US
(07) 5338 7387
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