What You'll Learn
- Articulate through the pointe shoe by 'peeling' the foot off the floor during tendu and dégagé.
- Improve ankle flexibility to allow the pointe shoe to fold correctly during every plié.
- Coordinate the head and upper body during cambré to maintain proper alignment and balance.
- Develop precision and strength in piqué and pas de cheval movements for better weight transfer.
- Enhance standing leg stability and core engagement during complex fondu and developpé sequences.
About This Video
Elevate your pointe work with this comprehensive 33-minute class from Broche Ballet. Designed for dancers seeking to bridge the gap between strength and grace, this session focuses on the intricate mechanics required to dance effectively en pointe. We move through a classical sequence including plié, tendu, dégagé, rond de jambe, fondu, and developpé, all specifically adapted for the unique demands of pointe shoes.
The cornerstone of this class is foot articulation. You will be encouraged to 'peel' your feet off the floor like cat paws, ensuring every part of the foot engages with the floor before rising to the tips of your toes. This deep pressing through the arch is essential for building the muscle memory needed for effortless transitions.
We also tackle the common challenge of the plié en pointe. You will learn to relax the ankle at the bottom of the movement, allowing the shoe to fold naturally, which is crucial for achieving a deep, functional bend that facilitates jumps and landings later in center work. Stability and alignment are prioritized throughout the exercises.
As we progress into fondu and developpé, the focus shifts to maintaining a rock-solid standing leg. You will work on the coordination between your feet and upper body, ensuring your port de bras and cambré movements complement your lower body actions without compromising your center. The instructor provides specific cues for achieving a beautiful, elongated neckline and a strong, supported core during weight transfers.
Finally, we hone in on precision with pas de cheval and piqué movements. By focusing on keeping the toes strong and striking the floor with intention, you will develop the sharpness required for advanced variations. Whether you are an intermediate dancer refining your skills or an advanced student looking for a thorough technical maintenance session, this class provides the tools to dance with confidence, strength, and elegance.
