En pointe (pointe) means "on the tip" and is a part of classical ballet technique, usually practiced using specially reinforced shoes called pointe shoes or toe shoes. The technique developed from the desire for dancers to appear weightless and sylph-like and has evolved to enable dancers to dance on the tips of their toes for extended periods of time. Although both men and women are capable of dancing en pointe, it is more commonly done by women.
Read more about En Pointe: Preparing For Pointe, Preparing The Shoes, Pointe Technique, Common Injuries