What You'll Learn
- How to find and maintain your center of gravity while en pointe
- Techniques for controlled grand battement and tendu movements
- Building the core strength necessary to release the barre during turns
- Proper arm placement and port de bras to enhance balance and quality
About This Video
Welcome to a comprehensive 39-minute pointe technique class at Broche Ballet, specifically designed to help dancers transition from relying on the barre to finding true independence en pointe. This session focuses on the foundational elements of barre work—including tendu, dégagé, and plié—but with a heightened emphasis on the stability required to eventually "leave the barre" for center work. Throughout the class, we dive deep into the mechanics of proper alignment and turnout.
These are the building blocks of safe and professional pointe work. By focusing on your core engagement and the precise placement of your weight over the box of the shoe, you will develop the strength and muscle memory needed for more demanding movements. We practice a variety of exercises such as grand battement, coup-de-pied, and retiré to ensure your transitions are fluid and precise, even when the support of the barre is removed.
One of the core challenges addressed in this class is the ability to maintain balance during long, complex combinations. We work through sequences involving multiple turns and extended arabesque poses, encouraging you to test your stability by momentarily releasing your grip on the barre. This practice is essential for building the confidence needed for center exercises and eventually performing en pointe with grace.
We also emphasize the importance of fondu work to build the eccentric strength necessary for controlled landings and transitions. Our instructor provides detailed guidance on movement quality, reminding you that technique should always take precedence over speed. You will learn how to keep your arms engaged in proper port de bras without creating tension in the upper body, allowing your lower body to work efficiently and powerfully.
Whether you are working on your relevé or perfecting a passé, this class offers the tools to refine your artistry and technical prowess. Join Broche Ballet today and take the next step in your pointe journey by mastering the art of balance and independence.
