What are the signs of pointe readiness?

Ballet teachers evaluate each dancer carefully before advising her to begin pointe work. Before beginning pointe The dancer has had several years of serious ballet training, preferably including targeted pre-pointe instruction. She has adequate core strength, leg strength and foot strength to pull up consistently on demi-pointe. She has adequate development of the bone structure to minimize potential for damage to the feet.

As a pointe beginner The dancer has proper alignment, so that her back and knees are straight when she stands on demi-pointe and on pointe. Her abdominal muscles are pulled up, without straining, and her shoulders are relaxed. Holding the barre, she is able to balance on the center of the platform, without falling backward or rolling forward.