What You'll Learn
- Execute 30 rélevés with proper alignment to build lower body endurance
- Master the transition between two-leg and single-leg rélevés
- Improve ankle stability by focusing on the pressure through the ball of the foot
- Maintain a controlled balance and a graceful return through demi-plié
About This Video
Building foot strength and ankle stability is a fundamental requirement for every dancer, whether you are just starting out or preparing for advanced work en pointe. In this focused Broche Ballet exercise, we pack thirty rélevés into a quick two-minute session designed to fire up your calves and refine your balance. This high-efficiency drill is perfect for dancers who want to squeeze a quick conditioning session into a busy schedule.
The exercise begins in first position, initiating with a clean demi-plié to establish your base before rising into a crisp rélevé. A key technical focus during this drill is the articulation of the foot. You are encouraged to push your toes firmly into the floor, imagining the ball of the foot lifting as high as possible to achieve a full, secure rise. This action ensures that you are engaging the correct muscles and avoiding 'rolling' on the foot.
As the drill progresses, the challenge increases by transitioning from two-legged movements to single-leg rélevés. This shift tests your core stability and pelvic alignment, requiring you to maintain a 'super stretch' in the legs while keeping your weight centered. We perform sets of eight rélevés, allowing you to choose between staying on both legs for stability or alternating four per leg to build individual leg strength. To conclude the session, we incorporate a brief balance and a final demi-plié to transition safely back to the floor, followed by a parallel stretch to release the calves. Incorporating this routine into your daily practice will lead to more secure jumps, steadier pirouettes, and improved overall posture on the barre and in the center.
