Beginner Ballet Pointe Program: Class 1 - Foundations and First Steps

Embarking on your pointe journey is a milestone for every dancer. In this first installment of the Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe 16-week program, we focus on building a foundation that ensures longevity and safety in your dance practice. This class begins with a critical, often overlooked step: arriving barefoot.

Before even touching your pointe shoes, it is vital to understand the mechanics of your feet. We explore what your toes are actually doing inside the hard box of the shoe, emphasizing the importance of proper alignment and even pressure distribution. Transitioning to pointe work requires more than just foot strength; it requires a deep understanding of how to engage your core and maintain stability through the barre.

In Class #1, your instructor will guide you through the tactile process of putting on your shoes for the first time. You will learn the correct way to wrap ribbons and secure elastics, ensuring a snug fit that supports the ankle without restricting the Achilles tendon. Once the shoes are on, we move into the initial stages of articulation.

Pointe shoes are notoriously stiff when new, and learning how to work through the shoe is essential. We will practice moving from a flat foot to demi-pointe and eventually testing the pointe position. Throughout these exercises, we focus on the "straight ankle" principle, avoiding any sickling or bowing that could lead to injury.

You will also learn specific stretches for the calf, shin, and heel designed to improve flexibility without overstretching. At Broche Ballet, we believe that pointe work should be a supportive and educational experience. This class covers not just the "how" of the movement, but the "why" behind the technique.

We also touch upon shoe maintenance—how to care for your new investment and how to listen to your body’s signals. Join us for this foundational class and take your first steps toward dancing en pointe with confidence.