What You'll Learn
- The specific sequence of detachment for the foot: curve, then shank, then heel
- How to maintain a high heel position while transitioning from coup-de-pied
- Techniques for peeling the arch away from the pointe shoe shank
- How to use a plié to facilitate better foot articulation during an enveloppé
About This Video
At Broche Ballet, we believe that the beauty of pointe work lies in the fine details of transitions. One of the most challenging movements to execute with grace is the enveloppé, particularly the moment the foot returns from a coup-de-pied position to the floor. This tutorial focuses on the intricate mechanics of pointe shoe articulation to ensure your movements look fluid rather than clunky.
When you are wearing pointe shoes, the shank provides essential support, but it can also become a hindrance if you do not learn how to actively work the shoe. In an enveloppé, as you bring the foot down, there is a common tendency to drop the heel too early. This results in a jarring transition that lacks the melted quality desired in classical ballet.
To avoid this, you must focus on the relationship between your arch, the shank of the shoe, and the floor. The secret to a professional-looking enveloppé is the specific order of detachment. First, ensure you are initiating the downward movement with a soft plié.
As the working foot moves from coup-de-pied, keep your heel lifted high. You want to maintain the curve of your foot against the shank for as long as possible. The technical sequence should be: maintain the curve, then consciously detach the shank from the arch of your foot, and finally allow the heel to meet the floor.
By delaying the heel descent until the shank is fully detached, you create a seamless transition that demonstrates superior foot strength and control. This level of articulation is what separates student-level pointe work from professional execution. Practicing this slow-motion awareness at the barre will eventually translate into effortless, breath-like transitions in your center combinations.
Join us at Broche Ballet as we break down these technical tidbits to help you achieve your goals with precision and artistry.
