To the Pointe: Beyond Exercises

Become a Confident Pointe Dancer who is secure in their ability to go safely through the transformation to pointe work.

An Online Supplemental Training Programme

Specifically designed to be both SAFE and EFFECTIVE for Online Learning

Yes! I'm Ready to Raise my Skills and Knowledge

How is it Safe to Train Online?

Self Assessment

When learning online you will need to improve skills at self assessment. Portions of each lesson will be devoted to this, and it will translate to also getting more out of every dance class you take in studio.

Structured Learning

Online learning requires guidance and support to help you to keep up with your studies. You will receive an email lesson M/W/F each week to give you digestible bits of information and new exercises.

Community Support

Going it alone is lonely and not necessary, even with a self study programme online. Join other dancers like you worldwide, as you all dig into the content and discover more about your dancer skills and habits.

Mariah-Jane Thies

Artistic Director:

The Radiant Dance Teacher

Mariah-Jane has 37 years teaching dance, with a focus on ballet and modern. Throughout her entire career she has studied anatomy and kinesiology and has pursued multiple complementary certifications, along with becoming a certified Evans Technique Modern Teacher, with a focus on Laban and Bartenieff.

The specific areas of study below is why this course is truly unique and pioneering, earning her the 2024 RAD Innovation in Dance Teacher Award.

Body Awareness & Practice Skills

Learn how to practice effectively at home and how to create exercises for yourself and what you need, supported by finely tuned body awareness.

Anatomy & Injury Prevention

Truly take charge of your own body through the right anatomical knowledge and application so you an safely train and push yourself.

Inspiration and Motivation

Training on your own can be hard, so you will be supported with plenty of inspiration and motivation as well accountability to ensure your keep going.

Areas of Content in the Course

This course has many layers of content that will be shared in easy to digest chunks.

In studio application will be demonstrated with real students performing the exercises and activities.

There is a good cross section of levels and body/foot types.

Each of the 6 Key Areas outlined below will be built upon week to week.

From the very first lesson, you will have concepts and exercises to use immediately at home.

Exercise Based Content

Squish

For proper function the foot must be malleable and squishy, so it is where we start every time there is a pointe preparation section.

Sensitivity

Thru the development of the vestibular system, and focus on sensitivity, students will achieve great balance skills and good proprioception.

Strength

Strength training requirements go far beyond repetitions and must include muscle balancing and ensuring a 3D pointe is available at all times.

Stamina

Students will need both the physical and mental stamina to be ready for the rigours of pointe work. Cuing healthy intrinsic motivation will be shared.

Stretch

Stretching effectively is a matter of both timing and technique. The methods will come from the latest science research and applied kinesiology.

Support

Dynamic core support, along with support from the effective use of distance eye focus and breathing 3D is a vital and important part of the training.