What is it called when ballet dancers dance on their toes?
This form of ballet dancing is called "En pointe." It is presented on the tips of the toes, made possible by specialized pointe shoes. Though both men and women are capable of learning to dance en pointe, it is commonly done only by women.
It is recommended that students be at least twelve years of age before going en pointe. This is because bones and growth plates in the feet are not yet fully hardened and developed prior to this age; feet can be badly injured prior to this age and result in career-ending damage that will prevent dancing en pointe for a lifetime.
