Pre Pointe Assessment
Pre-pointe screenings are available at the clinic to ensure your body is physically ready for the demands of pointe work.
Going up onto pointe is very exciting time for a keen ballet dancer however it is important to ensure that the dancer has strong feet and ankles, good turnout and core control as well as an appropriate base level knowledge of ballet technique.
The findings of your dance physio assessment will be reported via email or letter to both you/your parent and your dance teacher with specific focus on how any injuries will be treated as well as areas that require improvement e.g. turn out range.
Pre-pointe assessments and dance assessments are a process – very rarely do we meet someone who is ready to progress en pointe after their initial screening. So what should you expect? And what do you need to bring?
The Process at Initial Screening
1. History Check
Our dance physiotherapist will start by taking a history which will include previous injuries, current exercise and what dance lessons you are participating in as well as what your goals are with your dancing
2. Technique
We’ll then have a look at your technique – this gives us a general idea of your core control, turnout ability and foot / ankle strength
3. Opportunities to Improve
After this we’ll be able to hone in on areas you need to work and improve on and take some specific measurements of your turnout, ankle range, rises strength and flexibility
4. Exercise Plan
From here your dance physiotherapist will then prescribe specific exercises for areas that require improving such as rises and doming
5. Communication
This will then be communicated via email to your teacher / parent
6. Follow-up
After your initial appointment your dance physiotherapist will want to follow up with you and make sure that you are doing your exercises correctly and if you have reached the initial goals set they will then progress the exercises and make them more challenging
7. Fine Tuning
Every dancer will progress at different rates and their dedication to completing their exercises will also determine when they will progress en pointe – as a result the pre pointe process may take a few appointment
What should I bring and wear?
Shoes
Bring your ballet shoes and demi pointes if you have them.
Clothing
Wear shorts and a singlet top as this makes assessing your posture easier for our physiotherapist.
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