Well, assuming you are at a more advanced level in ballet, by all means, go for it, otherwise, forget it. The use of pointe shoes will definatelly help to strength your feet. However, it must be carefully supervised by the teacher, in order to avoid any kind of injury, which can range from mild to severe.

I have been taking pointe fro 6 years now, and the articulation of my feet has chaged drastically. My teachers had me walk on pointe, then i would do the 3 1st exercises in the bar on pointe, and they gradually added time, untill i was able to do the whole class on pointe, and let me tell you, once you get how to turn...IT'S OFF THE HOOK! The "pain" thing can be due to poor fitting, a proper fitting, and care for your toes will help reduce some pain, if not all; in six years i have never gotten a blister or a bruise.

The main concern in this, (for most teachers) is affecting the quality of the dancer, you ought to achive that ethereal and graceful look, without changing the fact that you are a male, who MUST have to dance like a male...we have enough ballerinas in the world, we need men that dances like men.

It is hard and serious work, pointe work is not just about bourres, and if done correctly, it is fun.