“I started too late and thought I was too old to dance en pointe”
Many of us have dreamed of pointe shoes ever since we were little kids mimicking the ballerinas we saw on TV.
But you were never able to achieve it in the way you had imagined. Maybe you never had the chance. Maybe you had terrible teachers.
A few did manage to get the shoes but then life had other plans. So those dreams were left unfulfilled. And now that you’re an adult, you’re not even sure if it’s possible.
The truth is that you CAN get on pointe
And feel confident doing it when coming back from a break or just starting as an adult.
The problem is that there’s not many local adult classes that have what you need. The few classes that you can find have teachers who don’t take adults seriously.
They teach unstructured, technically shallow drop-in classes which makes achieving tangible progress nearly impossible.
Instead of spending money and time to take classes with no way to know if you’re getting the foot strength, flexibility, or technical skills for pointe…
What if you could get detailed technical instruction designed for adults?
Especially from someone who got on pointe after childhood?
You can learn from a teacher who takes adults seriously.
You can learn proper technique.
You can level up your skills.
You can have a structured program that walks you through month by month
You can have personalized assessments that will check your strength and flexibility readiness.
You can have a community of like-minded adults pursuing their dreams of pointe.
And you can take a major step towards your dream of pointe shoes by starting the Journey to Pointe program as a Broche member!
Just to let you know I’ve already seen progress in the past 2 weeks with my ankle flexibility. I was a little skeptical that massage would improve my ankle flexibility but I started to see results right away :)
What is Journey to Pointe?
Journey to Pointe is a comprehensive pre-pointe program designed for adult bodies and lifestyles.
Exercises are structured by month so you’ll know exactly what you need to do each week to make progress.
Get started today with a commitment-free monthly subscription. Cancel at anytime.
You’ll get access to the program immediately along with bonus content and a community of dancers like you.
I have seen more improvement in 12 weeks than I did in ONE YEAR of local pointe class.
BONUS
E-BOOK
An overview of pointe to give you the basics
A beginner’s guide to give you an overview of pointe: what it is, what you need to be ready, and the basics for when you finally get your first pointe shoes.
You’ll learn topics like:
what it means to be ready for pointe
how pointe shoes work
how to build strength
how to increase mobility
how to tie pointe shoes
what to expect in your first pointe class
and more!
BONUS
PDF
Progress Tracker to help you succeed
Staying consistent is hard with all the responsibilities and demands of life. Digital courses are easy to forget and that’s why we’ve included a printable progress tracker.
You’ll physically see it on your desk along with the steadily growing streak of completed classes for each day and week.
I wanted to achieve pointe so badly, and was afraid my feet wouldn’t ever be right for it, but here I am, and I just adore being en pointe. It brings me so much joy! My feet rarely ever cramp and I feel very comfortable in my shoes! Your foot consultation gave me a lot of hope and was genuinely the best money I’ve ever spent within the ballet world!
BONUS
PDF
Hear it from The Pointe Doc
Are there physical barriers to getting en pointe?
What are some common struggles for adult dancers?
Are there mental barriers?
What’s the difference between pain and getting used to pointe shoes?
Get answers to these questions and more in this exclusive interview with Dr. Nina Geromel, a doctor of physical therapy and a former dancer.
Accountability Community for motivation & support
Have you recently made a midlife transition?
Do you feel established in your career and are ready for the next challenge?
Have you emptied your nest? or retired?
And now you’re looking to get back in touch with yourself, to rediscover who you are, and what you want to create for yourself in your next era?
What if you had a group of people who understood your ballet dreams and hobbies?
And not only understood but is as obsessed with ballet as you are?
That’s what you’ll get when you join the members-only Broche community.
If you’re an adult that is serious about ballet this is an incredibly thorough and excellent program. […] and you can use this format to supplement classes that you take in person. Julie is an amazing teacher, truly gifted as a dancer, and mentor! Sign up immediately! You will never regret it!
Start your journey to pointe today!
You’ve realized life is short and it’s time to seize the day.
Even if you’re a little rusty, have two left feet, never lost the baby weight, or haven’t stepped foot in a ballet studio, it’s time to let the ballerina inside come out and play!
I have learned more from you than I learned in company and even the professional classes I have taken. I learned to do, not the why, and many times not the nuts and bolts. And the site you have created is so vast. I watch all the time and don't begin to scratch the surface! You have invested so much in your teaching. It shows. And it is a precious gift.
I am balancing and doing releves again! I am so excited! It has been a long road, but your foot exercises have been better than PT to be honest!
I am so glad that I found you! What a blessing to be instructed by such a caring, passionate, smart, and awesome teacher. You are a jewel. All of your classes are so very good. There are so so many! Thank you for being available and sharing your gift of dance with all of us.
I've received more helpful tips and techniques in Broche Ballet classes than I have in the adult open in-studio classes I've attended.
You have so many fantastic teaching points, specific to adult ballet dancers. I'm almost to my 4yr mark with ballet. You have clarified so many technique questions. I really love having all of the classes on videos and your music choices are amazing. Honestly, I think you should write a book of helpful hints or better understanding ballet as an adult. You never make us feel like we're late starters. Thank you for sharing your gift of dance! 🩰
Your content, your teaching, and the sense of community and belonging that you foster is fantastic.
I'm French, living in France, I have access to so many ballet classes. But yours are my favorites. Love how you teach, your energy, your kindness. I progress the most with you. I feel the best when I practice with you
Julie is such an amazing teacher who makes ballet so enjoyable too. Everything is explained so well ... and the vibe is always uplifting and encouraging.
I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you going into so much detail about my individual feet and technique. I have been craving this kind of feedback and knowledge and I have finally received it through your program! I have followed your recommendations (except I do the toe dexterity exercises DAILY because I'm obsessed with ballet 😅), began the beginner winter pointe cohort (I'm in week 12 now) and had a fitting for new pointe shoes. You were right about everything. My toes are getting stronger, I'm getting over the box in my pointe shoes, and I finally feel like I'm improving! I tell all my friends in my local ballet class about Broche ballet and how it has been amazing. I have seen more improvement in 12 weeks than I did in ONE YEAR of local pointe class.
You are an AMAZING teacher. You have helped me so much and the attention you give to small details is more than I can get in my studio classes. You have a gift for teaching!
I also just want to say a huge thank you! Having the ability to go en pointe means so much to me and I'm finally accomplishing that! Also your website is literally so good. So so good.
Broche showed me the ballet basics that gave me the confidence to go to in-person classes.
You have been such an invaluable resource as I come back to dance after 15+ years and your adult-centric pedagogy has helped the form feel that much more inclusive for people like me. Your love of ballet shines through the expansive wealth of resources you share with your students. I just wanted to say thank you so much for making ballet more accessible!
The regular adults Silver Swan classes (for 50+ years) were not providing enough technical detail for me and I was receiving no corrections as the focus, during those classes was mainly on 'keeping fit' and having fun rather than improving classical ballet technique. Then I found Broche at the start of this year and haven't looked back! I am LOVING Broche. No-one else teaches in the way you do Julie.
Your program is insanely comprehensive - I don't think anyone out there is doing what you are doing in such an organized, thoughtful and energetic way, BRAVO!
One of the things I am most proud of accomplishing thanks to Broche Ballet is going en pointe! This was not something I thought I could do as an adult, and I am so excited to have achieved this dream!
You have so many options, great tips, and explain things in such a way you cannot usually get in a studio.
You created a place where I can do ballet with my broken body and extra weight after cancer treatment. And be happy.
A big thank you for your motivation and providing excellent teaching skills on my pointe journey!
🩷
Meet your instructor, Julie
Julie Leung, founder of Broche Ballet, is a passionate advocate for adult ballet dancers, creating a vibrant community where dancers of all ages and skill levels can thrive. With over a decade of experience as a dancer and instructor, Julie blends her technology background with her love for ballet, offering specialized online programs tailored to adult learners, including those aspiring to go en pointe.
Starting ballet at the age of 17, Julie defied expectations, entering the ballet world later than most and dedicating herself to helping other adult starters do the same. After running a successful studio in Colorado, she transitioned Broche Ballet to an online platform, providing access to ballet training and personalized guidance for adult dancers worldwide.
Julie is dedicated to helping her students overcome both mental and physical challenges, from self-doubt to physical limitations, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment. She has helped thousands of dancers fulfill their childhood dreams of ballet and take the bold step of going en pointe.
Julie empowers her students to embrace their passion for ballet at any stage in life, encouraging them to share their stories through performance at the International Adult Ballet Festival, a groundbreaking event that offers adult dancers a platform to express themselves on stage.
The truth is that it will depend on your specific circumstances.
Many factors impact the length of time to be ready for pointe including:
foot shape
prior history and experience with ballet
exercise and footwear
foot strength
flexibility
injury history
But for most adult dancers over age 18, it will take 1 - 3 years of somewhat consistent ballet classes a couple of times a week combined with focused pre-pointe classes and exercises like those you get in Journey to Pointe.
That bad news is that it may take more time and care when you have:
fallen arches
bunions
severe cramping
hammertoes
stiff ankles from prior sports activities
or other complex injuries
No.
You can dance en pointe at any weight as long as the strength and technique requirements are met.
Some medical conditions may make pointework riskier and therefore less advisable.
Here are some examples:
Dancers with osteoporosis should approach pointework with caution and work with a trusted doctor to understand the risks and make an informed decision.
Pregnant dancers should generally avoid beginning pointework during pregnancy, especially in the later stages when the ligaments and joints begin to loosen and open up to prepare for birth.
Serious past injuries involving metal plates, screws, or other devices may prohibit the range of motion necessary for pointework. Injuries that did not involve metal may require working with a licensed caretaker to help remove scar tissue to allow for a larger range of motion.
Fallen arches (different than flat feet) may require work with a physical therapist to encourage the full range of motion in the ankle.
In rare cases, dancers have an extra bone behind their ankle joint which can also prohibit the range of motion needed for pointework.
As a general rule:
Pointework should be treated with caution and respect because of the demands it makes on the body.
If you are ever unsure of your safety going onto pointe, and your ballet teacher is unable to advise, consult a doctor, physical therapist, or another licensed caretaker.
But if it is your dream to dance en pointe and you understand the risks associated with any of the conditions listed above then, as an adult, it is ultimately your informed decision to make.
Pointe shoes expire, and feet change significantly over time due to factors such as age, pregnancy, and other life events. We strongly advise against using old pointe shoes, as they may not be safe or appropriate for your current foot structure. Based on your history with pointe work, here’s a general guideline for how your past experience may influence your readiness:
Scenario 1:
If you were en pointe for 5+ years, especially between the ages of 14-19, you may be able to return to pointe with a 6-9 month refresher in 2-3 ballet classes per week. In many cases, your body may retain enough muscle memory from youth training that this program may not be necessary. You can simply apply to join our upcoming beginner pointe program.
Scenario 2:
If you were en pointe briefly as a teenager, around ages 12-14, we recommend starting over with this program. This shorter duration typically doesn’t provide enough time for your body to develop muscle memory that can carry into adulthood.
Scenario 3:
If you began pointe as an adult or have recently returned after a short break (less than 5 years), you may be able to get back en pointe with a quick 6-9 month refresher in ballet classes. This program might not be necessary for you. However, if you feel you didn’t receive detailed instruction during your previous training, you may crave learning how to execute everything properly. In that case, you’ll love this program.
Conclusion:
In any scenario, joining our beginner pointe program requires an application. This allows us to provide feedback and ensure you’re safe and ready to begin pointe work again.
Technically, yes, but we strongly advise against it. Pointe shoes purchased from mass-market retailers are often poorly constructed, leading to a higher risk of injury. Proper training and readiness are essential before attempting pointe work. Skipping the preparation could cause long-term damage and hinder your ability to dance en pointe safely in the future. Don’t rush the process—take the time to prepare your feet properly so that you can enjoy pointe work safely and joyfully.
In most cases, moderate bunions can be managed with foot exercises and stretches, allowing for safe pointe work. However, if you have severe bunions or other significant bone growths, we recommend consulting with a medical professional before beginning pointework. Our program can help guide you on how to strengthen and care for your feet.
Yes! Age alone does not determine whether or not you can go en pointe. With consistent training, foot exercises, and gradual strength building, it is possible for many people to achieve their goal, regardless of age. We recommend starting with the beginner program and letting your progress guide you.
Setting a goal like going en pointe by a certain birthday is a great motivator, but it’s essential to understand that everyone progresses at different rates. Pointe readiness depends on factors like your starting strength, flexibility, and the amount of time you can dedicate to training. While we can’t guarantee a timeline, with dedication and proper training, many people achieve their goals.
No, you do not need to be advanced in ballet to start preparing for pointe. Many of the foot exercises in our program benefit general wellness and can be used by athletes from other disciplines such as runners, climbers, and more. The goal is to build strength and mobility in your feet, which is beneficial for pointe work and overall foot health.
Our program is designed to be accessible, so you don’t need any special equipment to get started. You’ll be working with your bare feet, and we’ll teach you how to use the floor for resistance. While ballet shoes or a barre aren’t required, you may want to invest in a pair of ballet shoes if you have hard flooring at home to protect the balls of your feet. A countertop or sturdy chair can serve as a substitute for a barre.
Our program is online and can be accessed on most devices connected to the internet, including tablets, phones, and computers.
You can also AirPlay or cast to your TV if you prefer to take classes on a larger screen.
