What You'll Learn
- Proper weight placement to ensure heels reach the floor in pointe shoes.
- How to execute a controlled fondu and fluid développé with precision.
- Refining footwork in cou-de-pied and passé for improved speed.
- Techniques for maintaining alignment and a straight leg during extensions.
- Strength-building exercises for relevé and sous-sus stability.
About This Video
Welcome to this specialized 31-minute practice session at Broche Ballet, designed to elevate your pointe work through a comprehensive barre routine. Transitioning your technique to pointe shoes requires a deep focus on stability, alignment, and the subtle mechanics of the foot. In this class, we move through a series of exercises tailored to build the specific strength needed for center work.
We begin by emphasizing the fundamentals of turnout and proper body positioning. One of the most critical elements of pointe technique is ensuring that the heels make contact with the floor during a plié; this prevents tendonitis and builds a more powerful jump later on. Our instructor guides you through the nuances of the fondu, a 'melting' movement that is essential for developing the control and precision required for fluid extensions.
You will also work on the développé front and back, mastering the coordination of the leg as it unfolds while maintaining a rock-solid supporting side. The lesson covers the intricacies of the cou-de-pied and passé, focusing on quick, clean footwork that translates into better pirouettes and allegro. Throughout the practice, we emphasize the importance of a straight leg in movements like petit battement and the value of repetitive relevés to increase ankle stability and calf strength.
Whether you are looking to refine your sous-sus or perfect your demi-pointe transitions, this class provides the professional guidance needed to dance with grace and security. By focusing on the 'flat' to 'en pointe' transition and maintaining rigorous alignment, you will see a noticeable difference in your overall ballet performance.