Editing Pointe technique (section)

===Preparation (pre-pointe classes)===
Preparation for pointe work is a gradual process that begins with [[Barre (ballet)|barre]] exercises to develop the requisite strength in ankles, feet, legs and core often known as pre-pointe classes.<ref name="Understanding Pointe" /><ref name="Pre-Point" /> These exercises may vary in accordance with a teacher's preferences and if applicable, the training method's [[syllabus]]. The first exercises at the barre are usually ''relevés'' and ''échappés''.<ref name="Prina" /> When the student is comfortable executing these steps on both feet and sufficiently strong, steps ending on one en pointe foot are introduced such as ''pas de bourrée'' and ''retiré.''

During each class session, a student will move on to centre exercises after completing the barre work. These exercises emphasize various aspects of ballet technique such as: [[turnout (ballet)|turnout]], pointing of the toes, and the use of ballet technique while en pointe.

Dancers typically take pre-pointe lessons for a year before they are allowed to get pointe shoes.<ref name="Understanding Pointe" /><ref name="Pre-Point">{{cite web |last1=Bedinghaus |first1=Treva |title=What are pre-point classes? |url=http://dance.about.com/od/Pointe_Ballet/f/What-Are-Pre-pointe-Classes.htm |website=About Home |publisher=About.com |access-date=11 April 2016 |archive-date=25 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425122827/http://dance.about.com/od/Pointe_Ballet/f/What-Are-Pre-pointe-Classes.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, it is at the discretion of the dance instructor to determine if one year of pre-pointe is sufficient or if the dancer needs more time to prepare. Hence, it is quite common for students to take two or even three years of pre-pointe in order to properly assimilate all the material required for pointe.<ref name="Pre-Point" />