I am teaching multiple pointe classes for the first time this year (not the first time teaching pointe, just the first time teaching multiple classes/levels). I would like to come up with specific guidelines that I can give all the kids that lays out all of the requirements to be in each level and requirements that they have to reach before moving onto the next level.

I have 3 levels of kids: Pre Pointe, Beginning (1st year) Pointe, and Intermediate Pointe. Most of the kids do not take enough ballet to really be on pointe correctly/safely (in my opinion), and we are currently trying to pull more of a ballet program together to remedy that. But in the meantime I would like something very specific so that I dont run into problems of why Susie is on pointe and Brittney is not..

Some things (that are pretty obvious) to get pointe shoes:
-be able to releve/eleve with straight legs, pulled up and turned out correctly.
-have correct body allignment
-good ankle strength, allignment, and flexability
-be in level ___ ballet class and attending regularly

I would love any imput on what you look for in kids before you will let them take a pre-pointe class (we are really trying to grow and encourage ballet at our studio, so right now ANYONE can take the classes, but that leaves huge technique gaps that I would eventually like to diminish). Also, what to look for before moving them from a pre/beginning class to a more intermediate one.

Thanks in advance!!

Besides the kind of things you mention, I would certainly put an age limit and a minimum-years-of-ballet limit for the Beginners class.

I would be less strict with the Pre-pointes classes. Doing extra releves are good for everyone. I allow everyone in that class, but I also make clear: "Being in this class doesn't mean you are going to do pointes! It's a preparation class and you and I are going to find out if pointes are an option for you. Some will be in pre-pointes for one year, some for two or three. After three years it should be clear to the both of us that pointes are not an option for you."

It depends on you what you want to call 'intermediate'. For me it would be: "Being able to do all the basic exercises without support". That is all kinds of relevés on two and one leg, courus, holding balances, etc. without using the barre.

When building up something like this, you should put low-intermediate students in class you call intermediate/advanced. You still offer them low-intermediate material there, but you give they younger ones something to look up to. "Look, they are already Advanced! They must be REALLY good! I want to be that good too."

There have been posts before about requirements to go on pointes. Maybe worth to search for them? Or hopefully one of the other members made it a favorite?

I thought this was a really good article:
www.dancemedicine.org . . .

its almost sad that nowadays the parents can't trust the teacher to make the right decision to benefit their child.
Why? B/c I said so, that's why. hmmm

I definitely agree with your requirements above. The studio where I teach requires that students are taking at least 3 ballet classes a week before taking pre-pointe, and must continue the 3 or more classes when on pointe. I would say our usual age minimum for pre-pointe is 3rd/4th grade, and the students usually continue the pre-pointe classes for several years before being considered for pointe.

Along with what is listed above and in the article I also take into consideration a child's attitude towards dance in general. A constant positive attitude, with a good understanding of her own body (she doesn't have to look in the mirror to see if her knees are stretched) is also essential. A student that takes corrections well and works towards advancement. Otherwise you may get a child who just wants to show off to her school friends and is going to cause herself injury!!

ncdancegirl said 3rd or 4th grade-that is 8 and 9 years old! That is waaaay too young! Even if they've been dancing for 5 years already an 8 year old is not ready for pointe or even for pre pointe! I hope that was just a miscalculation.
As far as requirements I think you have it down. You as the teacher and expert have to be able to evaluate ankle/foot strength and be sure to avoid injury. Pointe is not something you can let a child do to appease the parent it can be extremely dangerous and damaging if not executed properly. I think releve's,eleve's, sous sous, practice echeppe's sliding as opposed to "hopping", and conduct pre pointe class in demi pointe as opposed to just the ball of their foot.