What are some dance studios in Philadelphia?

Am I ready for pointe and should I change dance studios?

• Okay, I've only done ballet for three and a half years. And I want to go en pointe. My old dance teacher told me that I have strong ankles and knees and really good turnout, I can also hold my turnout without sickling. And my old teacher said that she would put me en pointe this year, however, we moved and I changed studios. My studio now is really strict on everything and require you to be at their studio for three years before your even eligible for pointe. Should I change studios again? I'm worried if I am ready and they don't put me on, by the time they do, I'll have to graduate before I can get even slightly good and well-trained. Another thing is, I have a hard time keeping balance outside of dance, but at dance, I'm fine. I really don't understand that, but would it effect me en pointe? Thanks(:

• Answer:

  Hi! I think if you've only been dancing ballet for 3 1/2 years, I would get the opinion of a few different teachers. Ask your teacher now if you had been there for 3 years, would she let you on pointe? If you are really ready for pointe work, your teacher will put you on pointe, if she thinks you are not ready then so be it, most teachers have a method to their madness! If you really think you should be en pointe and your teacher won't let you, ask a few other teachers around the area. If they think you are ready, move studios. As for your balance, I wouldn't worry. I have been dancing for 7 1/2 years and I have terrible balance outside of ballet and I am incredibly clumsy! Chances are, it wouldn't effect you en pointe very much.