Use Your Toes as Levers for a Higher, More Stable Relevé

In the world of ballet, the relevé is more than just a simple rise; it is the gateway to turns, jumps, and the ethereal beauty of pointe work. However, many dancers find themselves hitting a plateau where they cannot seem to get their heels any higher off the floor. At Broche Ballet, we believe that technique is often about finding the right mental image to unlock physical potential. This 1-minute tidbit focuses on a game-changing concept: treating your toes as levers to maximize your vertical lift.

When we think about rising onto the balls of our feet, we often focus solely on the calf muscles doing the heavy lifting. While the calves are certainly involved, your toes play a much more active role than you might realize. By shifting your focus to the floor, you can find extra inches of height and a newfound sense of stability.

To execute this technique, imagine your toes are small, powerful levers. As you begin your relevé, instead of just lifting the heel, press the pads of your toes firmly into the floor. This downward pressure creates an upward reaction, essentially prying the ball of your foot away from the ground. It is important to keep the toes long and flat throughout this movement; avoid the urge to curl or 'scrunch' them, as this reduces your surface area and compromises your balance.

By mastering this prying action, you engage the intrinsic muscles of the feet. This doesn't just result in a higher relevé; it builds the functional strength required for more advanced movements like pirouettes or dancing en pointe. When your toes are actively working as levers, your base of support becomes more responsive, allowing you to make the micro-adjustments necessary for perfect balance. Incorporate this toe-lever technique into your daily barre routine to see immediate improvements in your form.