What You'll Learn
- How to execute 'inchworms' to increase ankle flexibility and push-through strength.
- Techniques for engaging the back of the leg to get fully over the box.
- How to feel the shank of the pointe shoe hug the arch during a plié.
- Methods for maintaining balance and alignment in a su-su position.
- Tips for avoiding sickling and ensuring proper ankle tracking.
About This Video
Getting 'over the box' is one of the most challenging milestones in pointe work, requiring a delicate balance of flexibility and functional strength. In this targeted 10-minute session from Broche Ballet, you will focus on the specific mechanics of the foot and ankle needed to achieve a beautiful, vertical line en pointe. Whether you are a student just starting your pointe journey or an intermediate dancer looking to refine your alignment, these exercises are designed to help you feel more secure and centered in your pointe shoes.
Throughout the class, we explore the concept of 'inchworms'—a specialized movement used to push the ankle forward while keeping the hips perfectly still. This isolation is crucial for developing the range of motion required to transition from the flat of the foot to the tip of the box. You will also learn how to properly utilize a plié to engage the back of the leg, ensuring that the shank of your shoe hugs the arch of your foot for maximum support.
Our instructor guides you through su-su positions, focusing on tipping the back foot forward to experience the sensation of being fully over the box without losing balance. We emphasize the importance of avoiding a sickle, keeping the heels apart, and maintaining core engagement to support your weight. By strengthening the ankles and stretching the tops of the feet, you will build the control necessary for more advanced ballet movements.
This practice is not just about flexibility; it is about building the stability required to dance with confidence and grace en pointe.
