What You'll Learn
- Techniques to tense the arch and calf while relaxing the hamstring for an elongated line
- How to use the toes to push into the floor for speed in frappé and grand battement
- Strategies for utilizing foot momentum to improve pirouettes and passé stability
- How to maintain a strong pointed shape at the peak of high extensions
- Proper foot engagement to push underneath your center during turns
About This Video
Unlock the secret to the perfect ballet line with our specialized 48-minute all-level barre class at Broche Ballet. This session is dedicated entirely to the intricate mechanics of the feet—specifically how to use the toes, arches, and calves to enhance both speed and aesthetics. Many dancers struggle with maintaining their pointe during complex combinations; this class provides the technical corrections needed to maintain a strong, beautiful shape throughout your practice.
We begin with foundational exercises like tendu and fondu, where the instructor guides you through the process of tensing the arch of the foot and the calf muscles while simultaneously relaxing the hamstring. This specific muscle engagement is what creates a coveted line and ensures a long, unbroken extension from the hip through the tips of the toes. By understanding which muscles to engage and which to release, you will find more freedom in your movement and less unnecessary tension in your legs.
As the class progresses into more dynamic movements like frappé and grand battement, we focus on the push. You will learn how to use your toes to push down into the floor, creating the explosive speed necessary for sharp footwork and high extensions. This technique is the engine behind stable pirouettes and fluid passé transitions.
When you learn to use your toes to push right up underneath your center, your turns will become more balanced and consistent. Finally, the session incorporates adagio and pas de chat, challenging you to maintain that foot tension even during slow, lyrical movements and jumping sequences. By the end of this class, you will have a deeper understanding of how your feet interact with the floor and how to utilize that connection to drive momentum and grace.
