Performance Preview- The Prince

Creating The Prince

 A family’s annual holiday party. Dolls coming to life. Battles between good and evil among soldiers and mice. While each scene is a familiar part of the Christmas season, each sight is a small part of a bigger message in store for audiences as Fidèle Youth Dance Company, part of Turning Pointe Dance, presents The Prince, November 17-18 at Mitchell High School.

Created by Katha Morrill, The Prince was first performed by Morrill’s company, Arts Revealing the Son (A.R.T.S.), more than 20 years ago in Edmond, Oklahoma. An original take on the classic Nutcracker ballet, The Prince recreates the classic story with a faith-based mindset – one planted in Morrill’s heart one night in a dream.

“I glanced at the clock: 3 a.m.,” Morrill recalled. “I fluffed my pillow and closed my eyes, but I was wide awake, my mind racing with images of The Nutcracker. One by one, a series of pictures danced through my head: Clara receiving her beloved Christmas present, the Mouse King’s arrival in the night, the nutcracker transforming into a prince.”

“The images kept coming. Fabrics and colors for the costumes, with students to cast in each role,” Morrill continued. “It wasn’t The Nutcracker at all, but an original Christmas story.”

After several nights of careful note taking, hours spent choreographing each piece and plenty of help from company members and their families, the Lord made a way for The Prince to be performed on stage for the first time, just as Morrill had envisioned it – with the role of Clara being performed by one of Morrill’s students, Fidèle’s director, Mimi McKinnis.

“To this day, I remember the impact The Prince had even that first year,” McKinnis said. “I remember the boy who played Fritz in the premier season, a non-believer, calling me after rehearsals and asking me to read and make sense of the Scriptures Miss Katha had gone over in class. No one had even seen the show yet, but God was already working through its message.”

For more than two decades, the show continued to be an annual production of A.R.T.S., now Edmond Performing Arts Center, growing into two productions and even being rewritten by Morrill’s daughter, Mandy O’Neal, before the 2015 season. In 2017, The Prince’s first production came to Colorado Springs and was performed by Fidèle Youth Dance Company, directed by McKinnis with the assistance of Morrill. This season, McKinnis and Morrill teamed again to put both performances together into one full-length production, bringing the show’s original structure back to the stage for the first time in nearly five years.

“It’s been such a wonderful experience working with Miss Katha again, and bringing the show back to its roots,” McKinnis said. “The production has grown so much, but there are so many elements that are exactly how I remember them. Only this time around, it’s my students who are performing, and the baby in the Heaven scene that opens act two is my daughter. It’s amazing how God is still working through Katha’s vision after all these years.”

Following The Nutcracker’s original structure, Act 1 of The Prince shows a family’s Christmas party and the children’s dreams of battles between soldiers and mice, while Act 2 includes featured solo and small group performances depicting various characters for the children’s viewing, all set to Tchaikovsky’s classic soundtrack. Unlike the original, The Prince shows a deeper meaning behind each character’s actions and the chaos of the holidays, bringing the audience back to the true meaning of Christmas and God’s promise of provision, deliverance from sin and unwavering grace.

A perfect way to welcome the holiday season, The Prince will be at Mitchell High School, Saturday, November 17, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 18, at 2 p.m. Tickets are available and on sale now.

“This production is so special to me for many reasons,” McKinnis said. “I’m so excited to see how God will work, as He always has, through this amazing show.”

Photos by Megan Bette

Turning Pointe’s Top 10 Reasons to Try Hip Hop

No matter your goals on the dance floor, hip hop has something for everyone! Turning Pointe’s hip hop classes teach students isolation, rhythm, control, intricacy, and fluidity in their movements, as well as hearing beats and moving in ways that will benefit all forms of dance. Students learn the various sub-styles that make up hip hop dance, including popping, waving, tutting, jerk, house, lyrical hip hop, break dance, freestyle, and many others. Through class, students will find their sense of movement, add their personal style, and even learn how to choreograph their own pieces.

 Whether you want to dance this style professionally, need a fun new workout or simply want to supplement your jazz, musical theater or ballet training, here are Turning Pointe’s top 10 reasons to give hip hop a try:

1.     Challenge yourself
Ready to think outside the box-step? Breaking your dance routine can benefit bodies and minds alike! Hip hop is anything but easy, and the fun, popular music can bring anyone out of their shell. Challenge yourself to keep up with this high-energy style, master new combinations and even create your own.

2.     Diversify your resume
Think Broadway is all jazz and tap? Think again! With hip hop infused productions like “In the Heights” and “Hamilton” taking the stage by storm, now is the perfect time to diversify your resume. You never know what you’ll be asked to do at an audition!

3.     Develop artistic expression
Accustomed to performing a certain style? Hip hop can develop your artistry as you learn how to express a whole new style. Hip hop isn’t all “going hard” and “hitting it.” It also requires slower, graceful movements and incorporates jazz and even lyrical technique, all while expressing a wide range of emotions. Explore different movement styles, practice transitioning your movements and acting all in one class.

4.     Expand your skills
Originally a stylized form of jazz dancing, hip hop evolved out of street and breakdancing moves and combines several styles of dance, drawing on the elements of other techniques to create its own unique flavor. Want to take your dancing to the next level? Try expanding your skills to master each one with the athletic and funky style of hip hop.

5.     Develop creativity
A large part of hip hop dance is creativity and improvisation – a skill many dancers struggle to master. Learn to lose your reliance on count-by-count structure, gain a greater movement vocabulary and find your voice and style in hip hop class.

6.     Find new muscles
Hip hop includes hard-hitting, fast-paced movements and unique postures that will work your body like no other class. Develop muscles and core strength while you increase endurance in ways exclusive to this athletic style of dance. Give it a try and see for yourself – hip hop does a body good!

7.     Build confidence
Developing a new technique or mastering a new skill is always rewarding, especially if it didn’t come easily! If you’ve spent your life in dance at the barre or in modern class, watching your progress in a brand new style can be particularly exciting – which can carry confidence over into each of your other classes.

8.     Reinforce rhythm
Hip hop utilizes up-beat, popular songs with easily heard beats and syncopated timing. Hip hop class can remix your steps to go beyond the 5-6-7-8, reinforcing your rhythm and challenging dancers to find new beats within each song.

9.     Make new friends
New classes mean new class mates! Develop camaraderie and build your dance community as you discover a whole new way to worship together.

10.  It’s FUN
Just listening to the playlist for hip hop class, it’s hard not to get up and move along. Combine funky movements to a trendy soundtrack and smile through a laid-back style that will improve your ability in a class as challenging as it is fun.

Turning Pointe has a hip hop class for everyone, from Twirl (ages 3.5-5) to advanced and even teen/adult. Find the full line-up of hip hop classes here.

 Ready to give it a try? Free Trial/Bring a Friend week is October 27-November 3!

Get to Know the Turning Pointe Staff: Meet Ms. Beth

Hi Everyone!

 My name is Beth Jordahl, and I am a teacher at Turning Pointe. I love teaching here! The atmosphere of the studio is supportive, fun and so encouraging. I am always blown away by the attitude of the dancers and the dedication they put into their art. 

 "Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away, You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, Lord." - Psalms 139:1-4

 This year God has been teaching me the importance of learning and identifying what God thinks about us and allowing that to guide not only the big choices I make but also my daily decisions and actions. 

 "I read in a periodical the other day that the fundamental thing is how we think of God. By God Himself, it is not! How God thinks of us is not only more important but infinitely more important." - CS Lewis, The Weight of Glory. 

 This year has held a lot of changes for me! In January, I became a mom. Lucy Anne Jordahl joined the world with excitement and joy and has continued to bless us each day. This fall I am going back to school for my Masters in Counseling. I am even getting ready to start a blog! Every year God presents us with new challenges, changes, and blessings. I am learning that even with all of these changes, I need to find my identity and strength in what God thinks of me. 

 "Look at how great a love the Father has given us that we should be called God's children. And we are!" -1 John 3:1

 Fun Facts about Miss Beth:

 1. Which classes are you teaching this year?

“This year I am teaching a PBT class, Twirl Ballet, Primary Ballet, Worship, Beginning Ballet and Swing!”

2. What's your favorite style to teach?

“My favorite style to teach is probably Worship or Ballet. I love getting to spend that time focusing on dancing for Jesus, and I love the strength, beauty, and knowledge of the basics that Ballet provides.”

3. What is your favorite part of your job? 

“My favorite part of my job is getting to watch dancers grow and change. I love getting to help them finally be able to do a dance step or watch them as Jesus teaches them something even more amazing!”

4. How many years have you been with Turning Pointe?  

 “I taught for a year in 2010/2011 and then I went a DTS with YWAM. I came back and started teaching again in the summer of 2012 and I have been teaching here ever since!”

 5. What do you like to do in your spare time? 

“In my spare time, I love to read! I read constantly and I usually have 2 or 4 books that I am reading at the same time. But if I am not reading, I am spending time with my awesome family going on adventures!”

 6. What is your favorite treat?

“My favorite treat is coffee! I love fall and so I am usually drinking pumpkin spice lattes as long as they are available.”

 At Turning Pointe Dance, our mission is to fully develop a dancer’s skills and talents in an atmosphere that is glorifying to God. We provide excellence in dance and theater instruction while cultivating hearts of worship and nurturing creativity.

 Come in and meet Miss Beth, and get to know the rest of the Turning Pointe Staff here. From bunny hops and streamers with the budding ballerinas to pirouettes with the pointe students, we have something special for everyone!

Lucy!!

Twirl: Is It Right for Me?

Twirl: Is It Right For Me?

In addition to a fun source of exercise, did you know that dance class can help children improve their social skills? The right class can enable young minds to communicate better, learn teamwork, develop a greater sense of trust and cooperation and even make new friends. Is your preschooler ready to learn and explore all that dance has to offer? Turning Pointe’s Twirl program could be just right for you.

2018-19 Twirl Classes

·      Twirl Babies (Ages 2-3): Thursdays, 9:30-10 a.m.

·      Twirl Tots (Ages 2 ½ -3 ½): Tuesdays, 10-10:45 a.m., or Fridays, 9:30-10:15 a.m.

·      Twirl Ballet (Ages 3-5): Thursdays, 10:45-11:30 a.m., or 3:30-4:15 p.m.

·      Twirl Combo (Ages 4-6): Mondays, 10-10:45 a.m.; Thursdays, 10-10:45 a.m., or Saturdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

·      Twirl Combo (Ages 5-7): Mondays, 5:15-6 p.m., or Wednesdays, 4:30-5 p.m.

·      Twirl Hippity Hop (Ages 3 ½-5): Saturdays, 9-9:45 a.m.

·      Twirl Leprechauns (Ages 4-6): Wednesdays, 2-2:45 p.m.

FAQs

Q: What is the Twirl Program?

Twirl is Turning Pointe’s program specifically dedicated to preschool-aged students. In addition to weekly classes, Twirl students will perform in an in-studio Christmas program, as well as the spring recital.

Q: Are all Twirl classes the same?

Turning Pointe offers a variety of Twirl classes! Twirl Babies, Twirl Tots, and Twirl Ballet classes offer an introduction to the basic dance terminology of ballet with a balance of focus and fun, spatial awareness, flexibility, coordination, balance, expression, and hearing music are explored through the joy of movement while worshipping God. There’s even a Mommy and Me class: Twirl with Me.

Twirl Showtime keeps the core values of the Twirl program with an added focus on musical theater, while Twirl Leprechauns introduces the basics of Irish dance. Twirl Hippity Hop even introduces hip hop dancing. Can’t pick just one? Twirl Combo students will increase their understanding of ballet while developing coordination and rhythm through tap dance. Half of the class time will be focused on ballet, and the other half on tap.

 Q: Can I come in and watch the class?

Turning Pointe has viewing windows and the curtains are open or closed at the teacher’s discretion. In our years of experience (with younger students in particular), we can really maximize our time and keep their focus when distractions are limited…good practice for preschool! If there is a situation where a grandparent is visiting from out of town or a family member specifically came to see your dancer, just let the teacher know and we will make sure they get to see a portion of the class. We do want you to see what they are learning and usually open the curtains for part of the class time. We have dedicated Peek Weeks in the fall and spring when the curtains are open the entire class time. We also do an in-studio Christmas program for parents/families in December during the dancer’s class time.

Q: Can we see how a class goes before signing up?

New this season, Turning Pointe is offering Twirl Mini Sessions! Sign up for one-month sessions this October, February and April to give Twirl a try without the school year/recital commitment.

 October Mini Session: The Greatest Showman

Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

 February Mini Session: Peter Pan/Tinkerbell

Mondays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

 April Mini Session: Angelina Ballerina

Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Each session will include a parent program on the last class of the month from Noon to 12:15 p.m. Mini Sessions are $50 for Turning Pointe members, $60 for non-members.

Register for Mini Sessions here!

Ready to give it a try? Students enrolling in a Twirl class before October 1, 2018, will receive a FREE Twirl Elevè Elephant their first class! (Limit one per student.)

 Click here to register for 2018-19 classes, or direct questions to turningpointeoffice@gmail.com.

Dance a Latte Challenge

Dancers! Do these exercises 3x a week and at the end of the month have your parent sign this page! Turn into the front desk by the last day of the month to be entered into a drawing for a gift card to the Perfect Blend Coffee Shop! View the exercises below and you can also download the form here

Warm Up Exercises- https://youtu.be/4MnhwfC20ls 

Stretching Exercises- https://youtu.be/AOI-OkZ5Mj4 

Strengthening Exercises- https://youtu.be/P2LGeXg5POg 

A Twirl Parent's Survival Guide

For first time dance parents or parents of preschool aged children, starting an organized activity such as ballet, preschool, soccer, etc. with your little one can be overwhelming. Just trying to get everyone out the door and in the car is a major victory somedays, right? I am a mom of 3 kiddos and want to answer some of our frequently asked questions from a parent perspective for you!

My child is shy or gets easily overwhelmed. What if he/she won’t go in without me? This is completely normal! I was extremely shy as a little girl and my mom put me in dance to "bring me out of my shell" (see you never know what activities God will use in your child's life!). Please rest assured that we deal with this A LOT and sometimes there may be a few tears at first. Usually once mom or dad is out of sight and we get them dancing, they quickly forget and have so much fun! If they continue to cry and be upset after a few minutes, we will bring them to you. It does take trust on the parents part, but know that they are in a loving and encouraging environment and we will do our very best to make them feel comfortable and secure. 
Also don't be discouraged if all they do is watch class and not move/dance at all during the first few classes. Usually they just need to see what we're doing, think about it at home, and after a few times they will join right in. Some students take longer to warm up than others and that is perfectly fine with us! We love giving them the space to feel comfortable and grow in their confidence!

My child may have some separation anxiety…can I sit in the classroom? Just like the timid child, having some anxiety about being away from mom or dad is completely normal. Our goal for the little ones is to get them ready for a classroom setting that they will have in preschool or church: learning to follow directions, listening to the teacher, being aware of others, taking turns, sharing, and building confidence…these are all important goals in their development along with our dance goals. If a child is consistently having a hard time being away from mom or dad, it may be a good idea to wait and try again when they are ready.
Another reason we do not have parents sit in the dance room during class is that it is a distraction and often children's behavior changes when they have an audience. We want to help our students practice the habit of attention and most of our Twirl dancers are still learning. So the more we limit distractions, the more dancing, learning, and fun we will have together!

Is my child going to be learning REAL dance or just froo froo? The answer is both! For our TWIRL program, our goal is that the dancers have FUN and want to continue coming to dance year after year. If you poll our high school intensive dancers, many of them started when they were very young. The reason they are STILL dancing is not because it was serious and they learned the correct terminology at a young age, it’s because they fell in love with dance and ENJOY it.  We do want our toddler dancers to learn the ballet basics and simple terminology, but we also mix in creative movement and use props to spark their imaginations while working on coordination and grace. Because of our knowledge of child development and experience with teaching this age group, our program is one of the most well-balanced, age-appropriate dance programs you’ll find!

How can I set my child up for success?
Being on time to class is KEY! If a student walks in late and the class has already started, it can be harder for them to walk in and join on their own, and it's also disruptive to the class when the door is opening and closing. Being a few minutes early will also give you time to take them potty and get their shoes on so they are ready for class! Also talk to your child about what dance class is; look up some children’s dance videos on YouTube. Seek out not only videos of polished performances, but ones taken during class, with the camera angle set low, from a child’s perspective. And please label each of their shoes with their name!

For Twirl Combo, which shoes does my child need first?
Have your dancer come in their ballet shoes first, then we will change into tap shoes for the last portion of class. If you leave during class (please see bathroom policy below), please leave your child's shoes right inside the door (it is so helpful for us if they have tap shoes that are velcro and don't need to be tied). If you stay at the studio, we will bring your student out to the lobby so you can help get their shoes changed quickly so we can get right back to dancing!

What if they need to go to the bathroom? Do I need to stay during their class?
If your child is not able to  go to the restroom by themselves (this includes getting their leotard and tights on and off on their own), the parent needs to remain in the lobby just in case their dancer needs to use the restroom during class. Teacher assistants can escort students to the restroom and bring them back to class, but will wait outside the restroom door (not the stall door) and will not be able to help them get dressed. If your child is able to go to the restroom completely by themselves, you may leave to run an errand or go to The Perfect Blend while your student is in class.

What are the Tickets for? 
For our 2-4 year olds we give dum dums or stickers as rewards at the end of class time for listening to the teacher and doing a great job dancing. For our 4-6 and 5-7 year olds in combo classes our teachers give tickets for good behavior. If they save their tickets (we suggest a little ziploc in their dance bag) they can trade 10 tickets in for a piece of candy or 100 in for a bigger prize. Tickets carry on from year to year so they can use tickets from last year. Tickets can be traded at the front desk! 

We are SO excited to watch each child blossom and flourish this year! And we are so honored that you chose Turning Pointe. Our prayer is that we will ignite a passion for dance and the arts and a heart for worship that will last a lifetime in each of these precious ones!

We'll see you beginning Tuesday, September 4th (Monday classes have their first class Sept 10th).
Blessings,
Ms. Tina

All About Ballroom

What do The Sound of Music, Carousel, My Fair Lady and Roger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella have in common? All of them include dance sequences of traditional American style waltzes! Want to perform in West Side Story? You’ll need to mambo! How about Chicago? You’ll need to tango! Maybe you’d simply like to challenge yourself, know what to do on the dance floor at a friend’s wedding, or carve out an hour a week to dance with your spouse or friends. Whether your goals are recreational or professional, ballroom dance can be a great addition to your schedule!

Dating back to the royal courts of the 16th century, ballroom is formal social dance, popular as both a recreational and competitive style of dancing. The ballroom repertoire includes styles developed from European folk dances like the waltz, Latin dances like the tango and rhumba, and 20th century adaptations like the foxtrot and quickstep.

Want to give it a try? Here’s what Turning Pointe has to offer:

Ballroom Variety
Fridays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Turning Pointe’s Ballroom Variety class will introduce the basics of the American Smooth and American Rhythm styles of ballroom dancing. Students will develop posture, coordination, balance and control through a series of steps designed to carry each couple effortlessly across the dance floor, including the waltz, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, tango, cha-cha, rhumba, salsa and swing dance. Upon completion of the class, each student will have the ability to recognize and match each style of dance to the appropriate style of music and perform the basic and beginning supplemental steps of each dance. It’s the perfect way to diversify your dance resume with an understanding of eight different ballroom dances, prepare for social dancing at events, or get a unique workout. All ages welcome; no partners necessary!

Swing Dancing
Ages 8-12: Mondays, 5:15-6:00; Teen/Adult: Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30

Swing dancing is a fun, social dance that involves easy to learn movement, exciting steps and great music. It dates all the way from the Jazz Age, the 1920s, and has continued to be a popular form of dancing across social settings. There are many different styles of swing dancing, and each has it’s own tempo, steps and tricks. In Turning Pointe’s Swing Dancing class, students learn the basics of East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop and Charleston. Bring a partner or show up solo!

Register now at TurningPointeSchoolOfDance.com!

Turning Pointe's Top 10 Health Benefits of Dance

Turning Pointe’s Top 10 Health Benefits of Dance

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.                                                                                                             — 3 John 1:2

Did you know dance can burn as many calories as cycling? Or that it’s been proven to reduce stress? Whether you want to find some me-time during the week, lose weight, or simply stay healthy, Turning Pointe’s 2018-19 schedule has you covered. Need more proof? Check out Turning Pointe’s top 10 health benefits of dance:

1.     Dance provides a total body workout
Unlike traditional workouts that focus on isolated parts of the body, dance engages your muscles from head to toe, providing a well-rounded experience with every class. And because dance requires good posture, you can even improve circulation and breathing with every step.
 

2.     Dance includes a built-in cardiovascular workout
Why separate strength and cardio? Dance wraps both elements into one dynamic class, strengthening muscles while increasing stamina and improving endurance. By staying with the music and moving from head to toe, you’re stepping your way to a stronger, healthier you.
 

3.     Dance builds both strength and flexibility
Improving flexibility can decrease your risk of injuries and help your joints move through their full range of motion – which enables your muscles to work more effectively. Because dance incorporates muscle-toning movements and extensions, it’s the perfect way to build fitness and flexibility.
 

4.     Dance improves balance and coordination
Improving your balance can also reduce your risk of injury – and because the movements in dance involve standing on one foot, shifting your weight and even standing on tip-toes, you’ll build up supporting muscles and core muscles that contribute to better stability, spatial awareness and agility.

5.     Dance increases confidence
There’s nothing like the feeling of mastering a new skill. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, master a new combination each week and watch your confidence improve with every new step in your repertoire. Practice makes perfect! As you keep your body healthy, you’ll also improve patience and persistence.
 

6.     Dance improves brain productivity
In addition to physical benefits, dance can increase your attention span, memory and creativity. Studies have even shown that the neurological benefits unique to dance make it a better cognitive workout than puzzles, games and other brain teasers!
 

7.     Dance burns energy and calories
Studies show that dance can burn more than 300 calories every half hour – that’s more than the energy spent during an easy run or swim. Even a slower-paced dance class can be as beneficial as cycling.

8.     Dance provides an escape
Take a break from busy schedules and make time to focus your heart and mind. Dance encourages self-expression, and Turning Pointe’s mission to develop a dancer’s skills in an atmosphere that’s glorifying to God encourages each class to be as good for your heart as it is for your body and mind.
 

9.     Dance provides a social experience
In addition to toning your body and mind, dance improves communication and social skills by working with an instructor, working in groups and sharing the classroom with other students who have similar interests. Ask questions, engage with your classmates, praise His name and share a love of dance together!
 

10.  Dance makes staying healthy FUN!
It’s no wonder dance is a fun way to stay healthy – between the music, the fellowship and friendships forming in the studio, you won’t even notice you’re working up a sweat. Dance has even been proven to lower levels of cortisol – the stress hormone – while giving your body an endorphin boost, meaning you’ll leave the studio healthier and more refreshed!

Pre-Pointe/Pointe: Is it Right for Me?

Since the early 1830s, classical ballet has been performed on pointe, and odds are, you (or your budding ballerina) have dreamt of taking the stage in your very own satin shoes. Originally created to give the appearance of weightlessness while dancing, pointe work can be as beautiful as it is challenging – but is it right for you? Turning Pointe is here to answer your questions and prepare you to tackle those toes!

Pointe Classes (2018-19 School Year): 
Pre-Pointe
Thursdays, 7:30-8:15; Fridays, 5:30-6:15
Miss Erin Dial 

Beginning Pointe*
Fridays, 5:30-6:30
Miss Sara Murdaugh

Intermediate Pointe 1*
Fridays, 5:30-6:30
Miss Mimi McKinnis

Intermediate Pointe 2*
Thursdays, 6:30-7:30
Miss Erin Dial

*Must have teacher approval or placement class. To schedule a placement class, email turningpointeoffice@gmail.com.

Process & Expectations

Every student who dreams of dancing on pointe will begin in the Pre-Pointe class. (Pre-Pointe must be taken within the last 12 months prior to being evaluated.)
If the student is coming from another studio and is already on pointe, said student will be observed in the Beginning Pointe class and redirected as necessary. If the student is coming from another studio and was “going to be placed on pointe,” the student will take the pre-pointe class and be moved to Beginning Pointe when ready.
Pointe evaluations are held once per year, prior to Turning Pointe’s summer class sessions. When Pre-Pointe is complete, students will schedule their evaluation through Miss Sara Murdaugh. Each evaluation takes 20-30 minutes, and three teachers will be present to evaluate each student on their readiness through a series of exercises. Students will be given a yes or no for pointe shoes immediately following their evaluation. Students will also receive their evaluation forms from each teacher via email in order to be encouraged and know which areas need improvement.
Once a student is given the green light for pointe shoes, said student will start Beginning Pointe in the fall; however, shoes will not be purchased until late September/early October. In this class, students will learn to sew and tie their shoes, place themselves correctly on pointe, and gain strength in a pointe-specific way. (Most of this class is spent at the barre!) Please note students should not practice in their pointe shoes at home until a teacher clears them for specific things – injures can occur if pointe shoes break in wrong or a student is not ready for unsupervised pointe work.

From Beginning Pointe, students will progress through each level of pointe at their own rate. Pointe students must take two ballet classes per week once on pointe and are asked to take a ballet class immediately prior to their pointe class. If students are unable to take a ballet class due to scheduling or finances, they MUST arrive to their pointe class 20 minutes early to warm themselves up.

Requirements For Going On Pointe

•    Student must be 12 or older.
•    Student must have three consecutive years of ballet training.
•    Student must come to two ballet technique classes a week.
•    Student must have sufficient strength to:
1.    Hold their turnout while dancing. 
2.    Maintain proper alignment and demonstrate leg strength and foot flexibility.
3.    Use pliés while dancing. 
4.    Keep heels forward toward the big toe (no sickling). 
5.    Point their feet while dancing (without being reminded). 
6.    Pique passé with a straight leg. 
7.    Be able to do 32 relevés in the center without ankles wiggling. 
8.    Be able to hold a passé balance on half-pointe, well-placed (hips square, back straight, legs turned out, and to have strength to balance on demi pointe).
9.    Be in good health and able to take a whole class. (If the student frequently needs to rest because of illness or injury, they are not strong enough for the extra demands that pointe work requires.)

FAQs

Q: How old do I need to be to take the Pre-Pointe class?
A: While 12 is the minimum age we will allow students to go on pointe, they can be any age to take the Pre-Pointe class. A Pre-Pointe class will improve strength, alignment, foot flexibility and understanding of proper technique regardless of age or the dancer’s age or intent to be put on pointe. 

Q: If I took Pre-Pointe, am I ready to be evaluated for pointe shoes?
A: If you’ve taken Pre-Pointe within the last year, you may schedule a pointe evaluation; however, pointe is not an automatic event. A finite amount of strength, flexibility, technique and dedication must be achieved to ensure long term health as well as a fulfilling experience. Your health and future in dance is the top priority! 

Q: How many times should I expect to be evaluated before I get to go on pointe?
A: We are all fearfully and wonderfully made! God made each dancer unique, and as such, every dancer will go through the process differently. If you are not yet ready for pointe shoes, you will be asked to repeat Pre-Pointe or improve in certain areas before scheduling another evaluation. It may take one try, it may take 10! The important thing is to trust the process and not get discouraged. Factors like growth spurts, injuries and long absences can all contribute to a difficult evaluation, but something can be learned from every experience. 

Q: When will I get my shoes? 
A: Dancers enrolled in Beginning Pointe will purchase their shoes as a class in late September/early October (although your class will begin with the start of Turning Pointe’s 2018-19 session at the beginning of September). This is an all-day event, so students should clear their calendar of all time sensitive commitments!

Q: How often will I need to replace my shoes?
A: Unfortunately, pointe shoes are expensive and will need to be replaced at least once a year (Beginning and Intermediate pointe students usually need two pairs per year). A student must be re-fit by the same fitter (or organization) each time a new pair is needed. As a student progresses in level and dances more often, the shoes will need to be replaced more often. The health of a dancer’s feet and body rely on the understanding of the financial and time commitment.

It is also common that your first pointe shoe will no longer meet your needs after 3-6 months of use. Dancers’ feet and function change dramatically in the first year of pointe work, and it typically takes 2-4 pairs of shoes – once feet have stopped changing as dramatically – before you gain a strong understanding of what’s perfect for you.

Q: Do I need to be in Turning Pointe’s Training Division to be on pointe? 
A: Not necessarily. Pointe is an extra class and does not count as a ballet technique class. Students in the recreational division need to come to ballet class twice a week, plus their pointe class, and we strongly recommend that these students take the Training class directly prior to their pointe class to properly prepare their feet and bodies for pointe work.

Questions? Email Miss Sara Murdaugh at teacher.turningpointedance@gmail.com. Ready to do what it takes? Click here to register for 2018-19 classes!
 

Turning Pointe's Summer Stretching Challenge

Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.   – Galatians 6:9

 Did you know taking the time to stretch every day can help prevent injuries? When done regularly, stretching can increase joint mobility and range of motion, improve circulation, posture and coordination, and even reduce stress.

Summer months often mean less time in the studio, but it’s still important to take the time to stretch on a regular basis. Need some motivation? Take Turning Pointe’s Summer Stretching Challenge to make sure you’re ready to go when school session classes resume!

Take the Challenge:
Click here to download and print your stretching log, and challenge yourself to stretch for an hour a week this summer – that’s just 10 minutes a day, Monday through Saturday. Fill up the grid as you count down the minutes, and watch your flexibility improve! Sign your name and bring your completed log to the studio when fall classes begin to hang your accomplishments on the Summer Stretching Wall of Fame.

Tips for a Positive Experience:

·      Always warm up before you stretch. Stretching cold muscles can be counterproductive, and often leads to pulls and irritation. Start by jogging in place, playing outside or doing some jumping jacks to get your blood moving before starting your stretching routine.

·      Avoid bouncing or pulsing into a stretch, as this can cause small muscle tears. Relax into each position, hold still and take slow, deep breaths.

·      Hold still in each position for at least 30 seconds before moving on, and always make sure you stretch both sides evenly.

Need help designating some time to stretch each week? Sign up for Pilates Fusion, running each week July only, Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. and Thursdays from 3-4 p.m. Click here to register for July classes, see Turning Pointe’s full summer schedule, class descriptions, dress code and more.