What You'll Learn
- Correct foot articulation through tendu and demi-pointe transitions
- Proper engagement of the inner thighs and the 'zipping' sensation in a relevé
- Coordinating cou-de-pied with enveloppé and petit développé movements
- Enhancing balance by utilizing big-toe pressure and standing-side head placement
- Controlled lowering techniques to build calf and ankle strength
About This Video
Welcome to this targeted 3-minute ballet workout from Broche Ballet, specifically designed to help you master the power and precision of your relevé. Whether you are looking to strengthen your ankles for future pointe work or simply want to find more stability in your center combinations, this follow-along session provides a high-intensity burst of technical training that fits perfectly into a busy schedule. During this exercise, we focus on the fundamental mechanics of the rise.
One of the most critical elements of a successful relevé is how you engage your legs as a single unit. We will practice the "zipping" sensation, where you squeeze your legs together both as you rise and as you lower back down to the floor. This control prevents a jarring landing and ensures that every muscle from your inner thighs to your calves is working in harmony.
A key highlight of this tutorial is the focus on foot articulation. You will learn to push through the floor, transitioning smoothly from a tendu to demi-pointe, and eventually into positions like cou-de-pied and enveloppé. We also incorporate petit développé and regular développé movements to challenge your balance on one leg.
Pay close attention to your weight distribution; we emphasize using the big toe to push down firmly into the ground, providing the necessary leverage to lift your heels with confidence. Alignment is not just about the feet. As we hold cou-de-pied, we practice turning the head over the shoulder of the standing side, a small technical detail that significantly improves your overall line and spatial awareness.
By repeating these movements in a concentrated 3-minute window, you build the muscle memory required for more complex ballet choreography. Join us at Broche Ballet for this efficient technique builder and feel the difference in your next full-length class!
