5 Tips for Pointe Shoe Beginners

Beginning pointe work is one of the most exciting milestones in ballet — and one of the most challenging! The strength, discipline, and artistry you’ve built so far have led you to this moment. To make the journey smooth and safe, here are five tips every new pointe dancer should know.

#1 Get a Professional Fitting

Never skip this step! A professional fitter will measure your feet, check your arches, and help you find the right brand, style, and size. A well-fitted shoe is essential for comfort, support, and preventing injuries.

MBSA Students attend their first pointe shoe fitting at Ballera Dance alongside teacher Alyce Andrews (author)

#2 Build Strength Outside of Class

Strong feet, ankles, and core muscles make all the difference on pointe. Keep up with exercises like relevés, theraband resistance work, and core exercises. Even a few minutes a day can improve stability and confidence.

MBSA Head of Student Division Tori Stevenson teaches four conditioning exercises.

#3 Start Slow and Listen to Your Teacher

The first few classes on pointe will be focused on basics: rises, pliés, and balancing at the barre. Don’t rush ahead — proper technique at this stage lays the foundation for everything else.

Intermediate Division students of Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy stand en pointe at the barre.

#4 Take Care of Your Shoes

After each class, untie your ribbons carefully, take out toe pads, and let your shoes dry. Rotate between pairs if possible so they last longer.

Academy Division students of Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy maintain their pointe shoes after class in the studio.

#5 Be Patient and Celebrate Small Wins

Learning pointe takes time — everyone’s journey is different. Celebrate the little victories in every class. Progress happens step by step!

Academy Division Students from Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy.

Final Thought: Starting pointe is more than a technical challenge — it’s a chance to grow as a dancer and artist. Trust your training, care for your body, and enjoy every moment on this new adventure!

Meet the Author: Alyce Andrews, Head of Childrens Division, Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy

Alyce Andrews danced with the Nashville Ballet for three seasons before joining the Milwaukee Ballet from 1991-2002. She was trained by her mother, Pat Gillispie, with Classical Ballet Memphis. She studied at the ballet schools of Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Atlanta Ballet and received scholarships for the San Francisco Ballet School as well as the National Academy of the Arts. In the summer of 1995, she completed the advanced examination for the Royal Academy of Dance and was one of two dancers in the United States to be awarded the coveted Solo Seal of the Academy.

Andrews joined dancers from all over the world to dance at the Feast of Tabernacles in Israel with the International Christian Embassy. Most recently, Alyce was the founder and director of the Steps of Grace Ballet from 2003-2018.