What You'll Learn
- Deep criss-cross stretches to target the front of the ankles and legs.
- Correct alignment for parallel arch stretches to safely get over the box.
- The 'little wing' technique to improve your foot line and turnout.
- How to use plié and relevé to integrate flexibility into functional pointe work.
- The importance of calf muscle engagement and weight placement for ankle stability.
About This Video
Achieving a beautiful line en pointe requires a delicate balance of strength and flexibility. In this 10-minute targeted session from Broche Ballet, we focus on the essential stretches needed to help dancers get over the box of their pointe shoes more effectively. Whether you are an intermediate student or an advanced dancer looking to refine your aesthetic, these exercises target the specific mechanics of the foot and ankle used in pointe work.
We begin the routine with criss-cross stretches, a deep-reaching movement designed to lengthen the front of the leg and the talus area. This is followed by parallel arch stretches, where we emphasize the importance of keeping the weight over the big toe and maintaining a forward heel to avoid sickling. You will also learn the 'little wing' stretch, a specific technique used to enhance the turnout and line of the foot while en pointe.
Throughout the video, Julie demonstrates how to integrate these stretches with functional movements like plié, tendu, and relevé. A key takeaway from this lesson is the anatomical relationship between the front and back of the lower leg; you will learn why engaging the calf muscle is necessary even during a stretch to provide stability. We also focus heavily on maintaining proper turnout, ensuring that your alignment remains correct to prevent injury and maximize your range of motion.
By the end of this tutorial, you will have a clear set of tools to improve your ankle mobility and achieve a more confident position over your box.
