How Do You Spell POINTE?

Pronunciation: [pˈɔ͡ɪnt] (IPA)

The word "pointe" is spelled with an e at the end, despite it not being pronounced. The reason for this is due to the influence of the French language in ballet terminology. In French, the word "pointe" is pronounced "pwɛ̃t", with the nasalized "ɛ̃" sound at the end. When transliterating into English, the final "e" is added to represent this sound. Therefore, the correct English pronunciation of "pointe" is "pwɛ̃t", even though the final "e" is silent.

POINTE Meaning and Definition

1. Pointe is a term used in ballet to refer to a specific technique and style of dancing where a ballet dancer supports their body weight on the tips of their fully extended feet, while wearing specialized pointe shoes. This technique allows dancers to appear weightless and create ethereal movements.

   The term "pointe" also refers to the type of shoes worn by ballet dancers who perform en pointe. These shoes are typically made of satin and have a hard shank, a rigid sole, and a box at the front to support the dancer's toes. The shoes are specially designed to enable the dancer to balance, spin, and execute intricate footwork on the tips of their toes.

   Pointe work requires a tremendous amount of strength, control, and balance. Dancers require years of training and physical conditioning to develop the necessary technique and muscular strength to perform these movements safely and with elegance.

   The pointe technique is often used in classical ballet performances, particularly in the pas de deux (a duet between a male and female dancer) or solos. It adds an element of grace and lightness to the overall choreography, allowing the dancer to create a visually stunning performance that captivates the audience.

   In conclusion, pointe is a ballet technique where the dancer supports their body weight on the tips of their fully extended feet and refers to the specialized shoes worn to execute this technique.

Etymology of POINTE

The word "pointe" comes from the French language. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old French word "point", meaning "to point, prick, or pierce". In ballet terminology, "pointe" refers to dancing on the tips of the toes, which requires the ballet dancer to have special pointe shoes. The term was first used in ballet during the 19th century in France, and it has since become widely adopted in the ballet vocabulary used worldwide.

Plural form of POINTE is POINTES