Confidently guide your dancers through their very first pointe class.
The first pointe class is one of the most exciting milestones in a dancer's training and one of the most important for a teacher to plan carefully. This lesson plan is designed specifically for that memorable first class after students have successfully completed a Pre-Pointe Program, been approved for pointe work, and have properly fitted and sewn their pointe shoes.
Beginner Pointe Lesson Plan 1 includes 7 thoughtfully sequenced combinations that introduce students to pointe work in a safe, structured, and encouraging way.
This lesson plan includes:
Warm-up exercises
Relevés & Élevés
Tendus
Sous-sus & Échappé combination
Two-footed center floor combination
Simple across-the-floor combination
Unlike a traditional one-hour ballet class, this lesson plan intentionally contains fewer combinations. The extra class time allows teachers to:
Supervise students as they properly tie their ribbons.
Check that pointe shoes are fitted and secured correctly.
Make any final adjustments before starting.
Answer questions and help dancers feel confident before beginning.
The combinations are carefully chosen to build confidence while prioritizing proper technique and safety. Students experience the excitement of dancing on pointe while working within movements that are appropriate for their first class.
I typically repeat this lesson plan for the first several weeks of pointe, depending on the strength and readiness of the dancers. My goal is to place students on pointe only when they are physically prepared for these combinations, allowing them to progress beyond the barre sooner rather than spending months doing only stationary exercises.
Ballet teachers introducing students to their very first pointe class
Studios beginning a new pointe program
Teachers looking for a structured, confidence-building first pointe curriculum
Save time. Teach with confidence. Create a memorable first pointe experience your dancers will never forget.
Continue building strength, confidence, and control in the early stages of pointe work.
After dancers have successfully completed their first pointe class, the next step is developing the strength and coordination needed to move safely and confidently on pointe.
Beginner Pointe Lesson Plan 2 is designed to follow Beginner Pointe Lesson Plan 1 and provides the next level of progression for students who are beginning their pointe journey. The combinations continue to reinforce proper alignment and technique while gradually introducing more single-leg pointe work and movement challenges.
This lesson plan includes 11 carefully structured combinations that help dancers build strength, stability, and confidence while continuing to develop their pointe technique.
This lesson plan includes:
Warm-up exercises
Relevés with weight shifts to safely introduce single-leg pointe work
Tendus and dégagés incorporating pointe technique
Piqué, coupé & passé combination
Center exercises including échappés, relevés, and elevés
Across-the-floor combinations
The combinations are designed to allow dancers to continue strengthening their feet, ankles, and supporting muscles while developing control in turnout and balance. Each exercise builds upon the skills introduced in the first Beginner Pointe Lesson Plan while giving students a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
Like the first lesson plan, this class is intentionally designed to be repeated for several weeks depending on the strength and readiness of the dancers. Repetition allows students to gain confidence, improve technique, and create strong pointe habits from the beginning.
Ballet teachers continuing instruction after a dancer’s first pointe class
Studios developing a beginner pointe curriculum
Teachers looking for safe, progressive pointe combinations for beginning students
Help your dancers build a strong pointe foundation—one carefully planned class at a time.
Save time. Teach with confidence.
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