Pre-Pointe Physiotherapy Assessments
A team approach is essential for beginning pointe work. Dance teachers provide essential insights on a dancer’s technique and training tolerance in class. The physiotherapist determines a student’s biomechanical readiness for pointe to prevent injury and to maximize success en pointe.
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Andrea Ginter
Book NowPre-Pointe Assessments: Building a Safe Foundation for Ballet
Going en pointe is an exciting milestone in a young dancer’s journey but it’s also a big step that requires strength, control, and proper preparation. A Pre-Pointe Assessment helps determine if your dancer’s body is ready to safely begin pointe work.
Our physiotherapists assess key areas such as ankle strength, core stability, posture, flexibility, and overall technique. This thorough evaluation ensures your dancer has the foundational support needed to progress without injury.
We work closely with dancers, parents, and teachers to provide clear guidance, personalized exercises, and ongoing support—so when the time comes, your dancer can rise en pointe with confidence and control.
Pointe work should be a joy, not a risk.
Areas We Serve
At Versa Movement Collective, we proudly provide pre-pointe physiotherapy assessments, dance injury prevention, and dance physiotherapy services to dancers across:
- Calgary, Alberta – Supporting dancers of all levels with personalized assessments and tailored progression plans to prepare for pointe safely.
- Altadore / Marda Loop
- Killarney / Glengarry
- Westgate / Glendale
- Mount Royal
- Aspen
- Discovery Ridge
Whether you’re searching for a dance physiotherapist near me, looking to prevent injuries, or preparing for your first pair of pointe shoes, Versa Movement Collective is here to help dancers in Calgary build a safe, strong foundation for ballet.
Frequently Asked Questions
A pre-pointe assessment is a specialized physiotherapy evaluation that determines whether a dancer is physically ready to begin pointe work safely. At Versa Movement Collective, our dance physiotherapists assess your strength, flexibility, balance, and technique to help prevent injury and support long-term success in ballet.
Pointe work requires more than excitement—it requires readiness. A professional assessment ensures you or your dancer can transition en pointe with confidence, control, and proper support.
During a pre-pointe assessment, your dance physiotherapist will evaluate key physical and technical components, including:
- Ankle and foot strength
- Core stability and posture
- Hip and turnout control
- Flexibility and alignment
- Balance, coordination, and overall technique
These criteria help determine biomechanical readiness and highlight areas that may need strengthening before safely going en pointe.
For your assessment, wear comfortable, form-fitting dancewear—such as a leotard, tights, and ballet slippers—so your physiotherapist can accurately observe your alignment and movement. If you already have pre-pointe or soft-block shoes, bring them along.
Pre-pointe exercises are targeted movements designed to build the strength, flexibility, and control needed for pointe work. Your physiotherapist may include:
- Theraband foot strengthening
- Calf raises and relevés
- Core and pelvic stability exercises
- Balance and proprioception training
- Intrinsic foot and ankle control drills
These personalized exercises form the foundation for safe and successful pointe progression.
Ballet injury prevention is essential for building longevity and joy in dance. Improper technique or premature pointe work can lead to overuse injuries such as ankle sprains, stress fractures, and tendonitis. A pre-pointe assessment identifies and corrects potential risks early—so dancers can grow stronger, safer, and more confident.