No one, NO ONE, should ever be on pointe before the age of 12 yrs. old. It doesn't matter how good they are, how long they have danced - it is a matter that the bones simply have not matured enough. They are too soft. The damage may not be visible for many years - but there will be damage; bunions, arthritis, hammer toes. There is no reason to destroy a child's feet. Basheva[/i]