Dancing on pointe, or en pointe (pronounce /ɑ̃ pwɛ̃t/, often anglicised as /ɑn pwɛ̃t/ or /ɑn pɔɪnt/), is the act of standing on the tips of the toes while performing steps from ballet. Also known as pointe work, it is performed using hard–toed and stiff-shanked pointe shoes. Dancing en pointe requires strength and skill and is a central part of a female ballet dancer's training and repertoire.