>My 11 year old daughter just started ballet classes in Jan. Her teacher is talking about having her in pointe shoes in time for the recital in June. How can I know if she is ready for pointe shoes?>>>If your daughter has been taing ballet lessons for less than one year, it is very unlikely that she has built up the proper strength in her ankles and lower legs to endure pointe work. I would have a long talk with that teacher who wants to put her in pointe shoes. Most girls do go up on pointe at around 11 years old, but that is after almost three years of training. Going on pointe too soon can cause serious injry. I woud strongly advise you to either take your daughter out of that school, or insist that she not take pointe for at least another year!!!![/i]