We're warming up
We're taking a short pause while Ballet With Isabella steps into something new. Same world-class training. A bigger mission behind it. This next chapter is about more than ballet. It's about how you train, and how you show up – in and out of the studio.
We'll be back soon. In the meantime... keep it moving
- 32 calf rises each leg! – keep it slow and controlled
- 30 glute bridges – lengthen through the floor
- 1 minute plank - embrace the shakes!
- 4 x 30 second balances in retiré each side – if you fall, we start from the top!
- Practice your pirouettes from 5th and 4th each side. Try each turn until you feel 1 percent progress
- An arabesque each side – master it, and make it clean
- 1 minute butterfly stretch – breathe, don’t force, keep your back long and actively push the knees out
Your first pointe shoes are a huge milestone, but they’re not the starting point. Your body is. And this course is here to make sure when you do step into those shoes, you’re ready. Really ready.
I created this for dancers preparing to go en pointe for the first time, whether you’re returning after a break, starting as an adult, or building towards a lifelong goal. You’ll develop the strength, control and awareness needed to protect your feet and progress with confidence.
We’ll go step by step through everything: foot conditioning, alignment, fitting, and those magical first rises. There’s no rushing here. Just clear guidance, support, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing this properly. By the end of this course, you won’t just be prepared. You’ll be proud of the work it took to get there. Let’s build the body that’s ready for pointe.
- How to strengthen and mobilise your feet, ankles and calves for pointe readiness
- Alignment techniques that protect your joints and build turnout safely
- How to track correctly through plié and rise to avoid sickling and overpronation
- How to fit pointe shoes properly — what to look for, what to avoid, and what questions to ask
- How to tie your ribbons securely and comfortably
- First exercises en pointe including pliés, tendus and rises with proper support
- How to articulate through the shoe and maintain turnout on two feet
- The confidence to move forward with strength, clarity and awareness
Lesson Breakdown
Introduction and Feet Conditioning
Alignment & Tracking Of The Foot
Pointe Shoe Fitting : The Do’s & Don’ts
First Steps On Pointe
Rises & Relevés On Pointe
Is this course for me? Yes if..
- You’re a dedicated recreational or adult dancer preparing for your first pair of pointe shoes
- You’re a vocational student getting ready for your first pointe class at school
- You’re returning to ballet after time off or injury and want to rebuild safely
- You’re ooking to improve your alignment, turnout and control in flat shoes before adding pointe
- You’re ready to do this the right way – with patience, guidance and zero shortcuts
Look for another course if...
- You’re already training en pointe and looking for advanced variations or choreography
- You’re hoping to skip the foundations and go straight to the “fun stuff”
- You’re cleared by your teacher or medical professional to begin pre-pointe
- You’re unwilling to slow down, listen to your body, and prioritise safe progression