What You'll Learn
- The technical mechanics and footwork patterns for executing a proper échappé.
- Correct alignment and weight distribution in second position en pointe.
- Advanced foot shaping techniques to ensure proper toe placement and ankle stability.
- How to maintain core engagement during adagio movements like arabesque and passé.
- Targeted stretches for the shins and Achilles to promote recovery and flexibility.
About This Video
Welcome to Week 11 of the Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe Cohort. This session marks a significant milestone in your development as we introduce the échappé—a foundational movement that involves 'escaping' from a closed position to an open position, typically second position. As we progress through the second half of this 16-week program, our focus shifts toward more dynamic movements while maintaining the structural integrity and strength built in the earlier weeks. This 29-minute class provides a comprehensive breakdown of the mechanics required to execute an échappé safely and beautifully en pointe.
We begin at the barre with essential foot shaping exercises designed to prepare your metatarsals and ankles for the rigors of weight distribution in second position. The instructor provides detailed guidance on toe placement, ensuring you understand how to avoid 'knuckling' and how to find your center over the platform of the pointe shoe. You will work through a series of pliés and relevés, emphasizing the turnout from the hips and the engagement of the inner thighs. This alignment is crucial for the transition into second position, where the relationship between the feet and the direction of movement must be precise to maintain balance.
The class also incorporates adagio exercises to develop sustained strength and control. By practicing slow, controlled movements such as the arabesque and passé, you will learn to engage your core muscles more effectively, providing the stability needed for center work. We also address the importance of ankle alignment, specifically focusing on the Achilles tendon to prevent injury. To conclude the session, the instructor leads a gentle recovery sequence featuring stretches for the shins and calves, helping to relax the muscles after a period of intense work. Whether you are following our structured cohort or looking to refine your technique, this lesson offers the technical insights necessary to advance your pointe journey with confidence.
