What You'll Learn
- How to articulate through the pointe shoe box during grand battement using a swiping motion.
- Techniques for maintaining foot shape and alignment during plié and relevé exercises.
- Developing a stronger connection between your foot and the shoe for increased control and stability.
- How to properly engage the arch and toes when moving to the side and into retiré.
- Exercises to improve balance and strength specifically for the transition to center pointe work.
About This Video
Transitioning from soft shoes to pointe shoes is one of the most significant milestones in a dancer's journey, but it requires a fundamental shift in how you engage with the floor. This 34-minute specialized barre class from Broche Ballet is designed to bridge that gap, focusing on making your pointe shoes feel like a natural extension of your own feet rather than an obstacle. Through a series of intentional exercises, you will learn to master the unique sensations of pointe work, ensuring every movement is executed with precision, strength, and grace.
The class begins with a focused warm-up to prepare the ankles and arches for the demands of the box. We dive deep into the mechanics of the grand battement, emphasizing the 'swiping' sensation against the floor. In pointe shoes, you have more surface area to push against, and learning to use that resistance is key to achieving height and control. The instructor guides you through the 'ground bottom huh'—a creative analogy for the powerful swipe needed to articulate the foot correctly before it leaves the floor. You will practice hitting the toe against the inside of the shoe to ensure you are fully stretched through the tips.
Strength and stability are further developed through dedicated plié and relevé sequences. You will learn to maintain the shape of your arch even when moving through a grand plié, and how to drive your toes toward the ceiling during every relevé. We also explore the retiré position, focusing on the alignment of the foot and the 'flip' of the leg to ensure proper turnout and placement. Throughout the lesson, you will receive expert cues on how to shape your foot inside the shoe, helping you find a more secure balance. Whether you are working on your foot articulation or building the stamina for center work, this class provides the technical foundation necessary for confident pointe work. Grab your shoes, find your spot at the barre, and let's refine your technique together.
