What You'll Learn
- Master the technical transition from relevé on two legs to one leg safely.
- Learn the correct weight transfer and alignment for a tombé en pointe.
- Refine glissade and su-sous combinations to build essential foot strength.
- Understand the mechanics of pas de cheval and pas de basque movements.
- Improve balance and ankle range of motion through targeted stretching.
About This Video
Welcome to Class #13 of the Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe 16-week program. This session is designed for adult dancers who are embarking on their journey en pointe, focusing on the foundational strength and technical precision required to dance safely and beautifully. This 29-minute class dives deep into the mechanics of foot articulation and weight placement, ensuring that every movement is supported by proper alignment and turnout.
During this session, we focus heavily on the transition from relevé on two legs to relevé on one leg. This is a critical milestone for any beginner pointe student, as it requires significant ankle stability and core engagement. Our instructor guides you through exercises that build this strength gradually, emphasizing a controlled descent through the shoes to avoid 'dropping' off the platform. We also explore the tombé movement, specifically focusing on the transition from a straight leg to a bent leg while maintaining the integrity of the pointe shoe box. You will learn how to properly execute a tombé with a heel-forward focus, ensuring your turnout remains active throughout the step.
In addition to these strength-building exercises, the class covers essential combinations including su-sous, glissade, and pas de basque. Each movement is broken down to highlight the correct way to slide the foot up the leg—keeping the toes back and the heel forward—before returning to the floor. We also introduce the pas de cheval (flex) to improve foot dexterity and awareness. Beyond the technical combinations, we dedicate time to stretching and flexibility. Maintaining supple ankles and strong arches is vital for injury prevention and for achieving a full line en pointe. Whether you are following our 16-week program or looking for a focused practice session to refine your basics, this class provides the professional guidance needed to elevate your ballet technique. Remember, pointe work should only be started with the express approval of a qualified ballet teacher to ensure your bones and muscles are ready for the vertical pressure.
