What You'll Learn
- Proper postural alignment techniques to maximize relevé height and stability.
- Methods for engaging the glutes and inner thighs during the rise and descent.
- Specialized soleus raises to strengthen the ankles from a plié position.
- How to maintain a neutral pelvis while transitioning to a high demi-pointe.
About This Video
Finding time for a full ballet class can be challenging, but focusing on specific technical elements can make a significant difference in your progress as a dancer. In this five-minute focused session from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of the relevé. Strengthening your rise is essential for everything from stable pirouettes to secure pointework, and it all starts with correct alignment and muscular engagement at the barre. This class is designed to fit into even the busiest schedule, providing a high-impact technical tune-up.
This class begins by addressing your posture, which is the cornerstone of a successful rise. To achieve a secure relevé, you must maintain a wide chest and lift through the crown of your head, imagining your ears reaching toward the ceiling. Throughout the exercises, the instructor emphasizes keeping the head high and avoiding the common mistake of looking down at your feet, which can shift your center of gravity forward. By focusing on your kneecaps lifting toward your hips and pushing firmly through the floor with your toes, you build the foundation for a powerful and stable rise.
We explore the technical nuances of the movement, such as lifting from the base of the pelvis to reach a high demi-pointe. A key takeaway from this session is the importance of the descent; rather than simply dropping, you will learn to pull your legs together and engage the inner thighs to lower down with control. This engagement ensures that your glutes stay active and your heels remain aligned, preventing common issues like sickling or instability.
The workout also introduces soleus raises, a specialized exercise performed while in a plié. By lifting the heel while staying on a bent leg, you target the soleus muscle and the ankle support system situated underneath the larger calf muscles. This is a vital component for dancers looking to improve their jump power and landing safety. Whether you choose to work on two legs for stability or challenge yourself on one leg, this routine emphasizes keeping the glutes forward and the head stacked over the femur bone. Join Broche Ballet for this quick yet intensive barre segment to refine your technique, build ankle strength, and find your perfect balance.
