What You'll Learn
- How to utilize a deep, controlled plié in pointe shoes to generate power for relevés.
- Proper foot shaping and toe stretching techniques to ensure stability and alignment en pointe.
- The technical relationship between the standing leg's stability and the working leg's fluidity in fondu.
- Enhancing muscular control through grand rond de jambe and enveloppé exercises.
About This Video
Welcome to an intensive 35-minute barre session at Broche Ballet, specifically designed for dancers working en pointe. This class dives deep into the mechanics of the standing leg, focusing on the preparation needed for a powerful and fluid fondu. Transitioning your barre work into pointe shoes offers a unique challenge that strengthens the small muscles of the feet and ankles while demanding a higher level of core stability.
One of the most critical elements of successful pointe work is the depth and control of the plié. Our instructor emphasizes that how you descend into a plié directly impacts your ability to push up into a crisp relevé. By practicing these foundational movements in pointe shoes, you build the necessary resistance and strength that flat shoes simply cannot provide. This class focuses on the functionality of the standing leg, ensuring you have the base required to execute difficult movements like the plié de bourrée or transitions from arabesque.
The curriculum moves through essential exercises including fondu front, side, and back. Throughout the class, you will work on maintaining proper foot shape—carefully stretching the toes and keeping the pinky toes back—to ensure maximum stability. The integration of grand rond de jambe and enveloppé movements further helps develop the leg control required for advanced center work and adagio.
Beyond technical strength, this practice incorporates port de bras, cambré, and allongé. These elements ensure that while you are focusing on the intense work of the lower body, you maintain the grace and poise characteristic of a professional dancer. Whether you are looking to refine your developpé or find more height in your pointe work, this class provides the technical building blocks necessary for progress.
