What You'll Learn
- Mastering the échappé by balancing the jump and slide mechanics.
- Correct pas de bourrée technique using inner thigh engagement and the 'pencil' analogy.
- How to pick up the foot via the ankle rather than the knee to avoid sickling.
- Building stamina and control for sustained sequences en pointe.
- Refining foot alignment through controlled flexing and stepping.
About This Video
Welcome to Week 11 of the Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe 16-week program. At this stage of your journey, we shift our focus toward more dynamic movements and technical precision. This session is specifically designed to help adult dancers master the mechanics of the échappé and the pas de bourrée (often referred to as bourrées) while dancing en pointe. Throughout the class, we emphasize the importance of ankle articulation and inner thigh engagement to ensure safety and grace.
The échappé, which translates to "escaping," is a fundamental movement that requires a perfect balance between a jump and a slide. In this lesson, we break down the movement to ensure you are picking up the foot via the ankle rather than the knee. By focusing on this specific mechanic, you avoid the common pitfall of a 'sickle flex' and instead maintain a clean, strong line. We also cover the necessity of keeping the feet firm and the heels high to maintain stability as you transition between positions.
Next, we dive deep into the pas de bourrée. To help you achieve the iconic fluttering look of this step, we use the "pencil" analogy: imagining a pencil held between your upper inner thighs. This ensures your legs stay tightly crossed and controlled as you travel. You will learn how to uncross and over-cross with precision, ensuring that the front leg never separates from the inner thigh. This level of control is what separates basic movement from true balletic technique.
As this is Week 11 of our 16-week cohort, we also place a heavy emphasis on stamina. These exercises are designed to build the endurance necessary to stay en pointe for longer sequences. We encourage students to listen to their bodies, taking a rest when needed, while pushing toward greater control and balance. Please remember that pointe work should only be performed with the approval of a qualified ballet teacher to ensure your feet and ankles are ready for the challenge.
