Register Now: DT+ Teacher Talk, “Assessing Pointe Readiness”
Is your dancer truly ready for pointe—or simply eager to begin? Do you know which physical markers, strength benchmarks, and technical skills should be in place before making the transition?
Join our next DT+ Teacher Talk, “Assessing Pointe Readiness,” on Thursday, August 6, at 12 pm EDT on Zoom, for an in-depth conversation on preparing your dancers for safe and successful pointe work.
During this hour-long discussion, you’ll learn how to evaluate readiness, explore common red flags to watch for before fitting a dancer for pointe shoes, and receive practical assessment strategies and conditioning exercises.
Whether you teach beginner pointe classes or are preparing students for the transition, you’ll gain actionable tools to help your dancers transition safely and confidently. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions in real time.
About the Speakers
Holly Navarro
Holly Navarro began dancing at age 3 and spent 16 years training and performing in ballet. She performed throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey and danced with Ballet Austin in Texas before retiring at 19. Trained in classical, contemporary, modern, tap, jazz, and tribal styles, she understands the physical demands dancers face. After navigating her own dance-related injuries, Navarro saw how often dancers were misunderstood in traditional physical therapy settings. That realization led her to become a licensed physical therapist and bridge the gap. She founded Elevation Physical Therapy to provide care where dancers and athletes feel seen, supported, and ready to perform at every level.
Kristin Ruggieri
Kristin Ruggieri received her formal training at The Academy of Ballet Études in Norwalk under the direction of Nanette Vallas and Russell Fratto. She continued her studies at the Joffrey School with renowned teachers Finis Jhung and David Howard. Ruggieri was a scholarship student at SUNY Purchase’s esteemed dance department and later studied musical theater and dance on scholarship at Marymount Manhattan College. With the Ballet Études Company, she performed soloist roles in The Nutcracker, Coppélia, Pas de Quatre, La Sylphide, La Boutique Fantasque, La Bayadère, Sleeping Beauty, and many other classical and contemporary ballets. In 2007, she had the privilege of appearing in George Balanchine’s Who Cares?, and was coached by Judith Fugate.
Ruggieri has been teaching since 1994, and was the owner of Easton Dance Academy from 2001–12. She is proud to be on the faculty at Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts, an accredited performing arts college. She represents Nikolay at prestigious ballet programs and competitions, and has delivered lectures at various schools and institutions, most notably for Lynne Charles’ 4Pointe teacher training in Tampa, New York City, and Provo. She is the owner of Attitude Dance and Activewear in Connecticut and is grateful to be celebrating Attitude’s 23rd year.
Please note: This discussion is exclusive to DanceTeacher+ members. If you’re a member, please look out for the registration link in your email inbox.
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