B1013 - Foot strength and intro to Pointe for adults (all levels)

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Start Date: 26/02/2027      End Date: 19/03/2027        Start Time: 13:25      End Time: 14:10        Hours per Week: 0.45      No of Weeks: 4
Fees:      £28.00 (tuition)     £38.00 (overseas)     £28.00 (concessionary)
Tutor: Annarita Mazzilli        No of Places: 16
Idea Store Whitechapel

Course Overview

Course Overview
Foot Strength and Intro to Pointe for Adult Dancers is a 4-week course designed especially for adults who are curious about pointe work and want to build the necessary strength safely, gradually, and with confidence.

This course focuses on developing foot and ankle strength, alignment, and body awareness that support healthy ballet technique. Rather than rushing onto pointe shoes, we explore how pointe work functions, what the feet need to do, and how adults can prepare their bodies in a sustainable and injury-conscious way.

Classes include gentle but effective strengthening exercises, mobility work, and ballet-based conditioning. Students will be introduced to pointe-specific concepts and exercises at the barre and on demi-pointe, with adaptations to suit adult bodies and different levels of experience.

The emphasis is on:
• Building strength and stability in the feet and ankles
• Improving balance, alignment, and weight placement
• Understanding the mechanics of pointe work
• Developing confidence and body awareness
• Working at an individual pace, with no pressure to progress onto full pointe

This course is ideal for adults who are new to pointe preparation, returning to ballet after a break, or simply interested in strengthening their feet to support their dancing. No prior pointe experience is required.

What will you learn and be able to do?

What will you learn and be able to do?
* Demonstrate improved foot and ankle strength by completing a short, taught sequence of foot strengthening and demi pointe exercises with increased control and stability.
* Apply improved alignment and weight placement in at least three basic ballet movements at the barre (e.g. plié, relevé, demi pointe preparation), showing greater awareness and reduced compensatory habits.
* Increased confidence and body awareness when working on demi pointe
* Identify and describe at least three key principles of safe pointe preparation,
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
- At least 2–3 years of ballet training
- Comfortable working on demi-pointe
- No current foot, ankle or lower limbs injuries (or clearance from a medical professional)
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Equipment required

Equipment required
• Comfortable ballet or movement clothing that allows the tutor to observe alignment (e.g. leggings and a fitted top)
• Soft ballet shoes (or socks if ballet shoes are not yet owned)
• A water bottle
• A small towel or resistance band (optional – alternatives will be provided)

Pointe Shoes:
Pointe shoes are not required for this course. However, if learners already own pointe shoes, those should have been professionally fitted, and they should be used under tutor’s guidance. Shoes will only be worn when the tutor feels the students are strong enough.
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How will you know you are making progress?

How will you know you are making progress?
You will have an ‘Individual Learning Plan’ where the course learning outcomes are shown and where you can set individual learning goals and monitor your own progress against these.

You will need to evaluate your own progress and manage your time.

Your tutor will give ongoing feedback and will keep you informed of your progress.

Video recording might be used as a reflective tool.
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At the beginning of the course an initial assessment takes place to identify your level of experience knowledge or current skills, and you will be asked to complete and sign a health screening questionnaire.

The tutor will carry out informal assessments to check your understanding, there is no exam.

You will complete a self-assessment at the beginning, middle and end of the course and you will participate in regular self assessment.

Your tutor will let you know how you are getting on throughout the course, to help you work to your full potential.

At the end of the course you will receive written feedback.
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Progress opportunities - your next steps

Progress opportunities - your next steps
You can progress to: Develop Ballet Repertoire courses and or other dance styles at beginners’ level. (Please note that you might not able to progress to the next level after one term, your tutor will advise you on this).
You may wish to enrol on other courses held at Idea Store Learning. Please see a course guide for further information or speak with your tutor.
Your tutor will support you in researching these and other courses outside of Idea Store Learning.
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Other info

Other info
In general, we will not allow late entries to any course after the first week.
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Extra Support

Extra Support
If you have declared a learning difficulty, disability or support need whilst enrolling and you require support/assistance in class or to complete your course, please discuss your needs with your tutor at the first lesson.

If you intend to take an examination and feel you have an additional learning need or special requirements, you must declare them to your tutor within the first 2 weeks of your course.

If you are studying in an online group, then you can arrange a one-to-one online discussion with your tutor, after the session, or by email.

Where we aim to make reasonable adjustments to support our learners, please note we are unable to provide any type of in class or in person support if your course takes place online.
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