What You'll Learn
- How to articulate through the shoe to avoid landing hard on the box
- Strengthening exercises in parallel and first position to build ankle stamina
- Proper alignment and turnout maintenance during relevé and plié
- Techniques for achieving a clean, stable sous-sus from a preparation
- Effective stretches for the Achilles tendon and the top of the foot
About This Video
Welcome to the second installment of our 16-week Beginner Pointe program at Broche Ballet. This class is meticulously designed to help adult dancers transition safely and effectively into dancing en pointe, with a specific focus on the nuance of foot articulation and the development of necessary stamina. In Class #2, we move beyond basic standing and focus on the dynamic movement between the floor and the tip of the shoe.
One of the most critical skills you will develop today is the ability to articulate through your demi-pointe. This luxurious movement is essential for avoiding the common mistake of hitting the box upon landing. By learning to bend the shoe correctly, you ensure a soft, controlled descent that protects your joints and enhances your artistic expression.
The session utilizes the barre to guide you through exercises in both parallel and first position. We emphasize proper turnout and alignment, ensuring that your weight is correctly distributed to prevent injury. You will engage in a series of plié and relevé movements that target the intrinsic muscles of the feet and the calves, building the endurance required for more complex center work in the future.
We also introduce the sous-sus, focusing on the speed and precision needed to draw the legs together into a tight fifth position. To wrap up the session, we dedicate time to recovery. You will learn specific stretches for the Achilles tendon and the top of the arches, which are vital for maintaining the flexibility needed to stand fully over your box.
By focusing on these foundational elements now, you prevent the development of technical errors like sickling. This class provides the building blocks for more advanced steps, ensuring you have the strength to hold your positions with confidence and grace. Please ensure your pointe shoes are already on and ribbons are tied before starting.
