I recently set a pointe piece on a small group of dancers during a two and a half hour repertory class. Anyway,towards the end I felt as though some of them seemed fatigues and were struggling to releve fully. So their last two practices were done on demi pointe. Is this a good idea. I felt as though they were working en pointe long enough, and was concerned they were too fatigued to continue the pace. Also, I do this sometimes to help the dancers focus on their arms etc. What are your opinions?

Definitely a good idea, whats the point in banging your head against a brick wall if they can have a productive rehearsal.

I actually like setting the piece on demi so they can learn the steps, arms, etc. Once the piece is done, all practices are performed on pointe and if they have trouble with some of the steps, I incorporate them into the barre. Now if you are talking about 3 to 4 hour practices, as in major companies, I would have them keep their shoes on to get accustomed to the feeling for the real performance. Makes sense? Hope this helps.

That is fine. What I would do is keep their old shoes and deshank them so they could rehearse in them and still get the feel of the Pointe shoes.

We would do a few marking run-throughs before doing full out en Pointes. Then they would do it twice, usually, en Pointes.

Thank you, ladies! (for your input)

Practicing a pointe piece on demi pointe is definitely a good idea. I would much rather have a student practice the piece properly (with good arms, correct placement, etc.) on demi pointe than build bad habits due to fatigue en pointe.

When I learn my own pointe pieces (I'm a student teacher, so I still take my own classes) I really like to practice on demi pointe to really memorize and understand the choreography. It's highly beneficial.

Just make sure they get a full pointe workout before you let them take their shoes off!