What You'll Learn
- Techniques for building ankle stability and foot strength specifically for pointe work
- Proper execution of passé and pas de bourrée while maintaining alignment
- How to use the plié effectively to transition between movements en pointe
- Strategies for maintaining stamina and core engagement during longer adagio combinations
- Essential ankle and Achilles tendon stretching to prevent soreness and improve flexibility
About This Video
Welcome to Week 10 of the Broche Ballet 16-week Beginner Pointe Cohort. At this stage in the program, we shift our focus toward consolidating everything we have learned so far, with a heavy emphasis on building the physical stamina and functional strength required for sustained pointe work. This session is designed to help you transition from simply performing the movements to executing them with the control and grace of a seasoned dancer.
We begin with foundational exercises at the barre, focusing on the mechanics of the plié and relevé. Proper alignment is paramount; we focus on maintaining a vertical spine and even weight distribution to ensure stability en pointe. As we move into more complex movements, we revisit the passé, ensuring the pinky toe remains in contact with the supporting leg to maintain a clean line.
This class also delves into the nuances of the pas de bourrée and tombé, emphasizing the roll-down through the foot to protect the ankles and improve movement quality. Stamina is more than just cardiovascular endurance; it is the ability of your muscles—specifically the intrinsic muscles of the feet and the stabilizers of the ankles—to maintain correct form as you tire. We incorporate specific foot strengthening and ankle stretching exercises to support your practice.
The session culminates in an adagio combination, where we blend sous-sus and dégagé movements. This slower pace challenges your balance and forces you to find your center, even as your legs begin to feel the work. At Broche Ballet, we believe that beginner pointe work should be safe, methodical, and empowering.
By refining your technique in Week 10, you are laying the groundwork for more advanced work in the final weeks of the cohort. Whether you are perfecting your pas de bourrée or strengthening your relevé, this class provides the tools you need to feel confident and secure in your pointe shoes.
