What does 'pointe' refer to in the context of Highland Dance?

In the context of Highland Dance, 'pointe' specifically refers to the dancer's ability to balance on the tips of their toes, which is essential for achieving the correct posture and technique in various movements. This balance is crucial for executing certain steps and positions effectively, helping to enhance the overall aesthetic quality of the dance.

Having a strong pointe allows dancers to maintain stability while performing leaps and turns, contributing to the grace and fluidity characteristic of Highland Dance. Mastery of this aspect is often a significant focus during training, as it influences both performance and safety.

While spinning quickly, the height of a jump, and costume style are important elements in Highland Dance, they are not directly linked to the term 'pointe.' Each of these aspects has its own technical requirements and does not encompass the specific balancing technique that 'pointe' implies.