En pointe (pointe) is a form of presented on the tips of the toes, made possible by specialized pointe shoes. There are different varieties of ballet en pointe, but for the most part they focus on grace and specific technique. Both men and women are capable of learning to dance en pointe, but it is commonly done only by women.

There are different styles for pointe shoes, also commonly referred to as toe shoes or blocked shoes, and different dancers find that one style or another may fit better.

Dancers must have sufficient strength in the feet, ankle, leg, knee, and abdomen, as well as strong technical skills, before beginning pointe work. This work can take anywhere from six months to more than three years. Students must be at least thirteen years of age before going en pointe. This is because bones and growth plates in the feet are not yet fully hardened and developed prior to this age, and they can be injured very badly by pointe work, even if the student is otherwise strong and skillful. Attempting to dance en pointe before the feet and toes are fully grown can cause career-ending damage that will prevent dancing en pointe for a lifetime.