What You'll Learn
- How to engage turnout muscles to maintain stability and prevent wobbling en pointe.
- Techniques for proper foot alignment and anchoring the pinky toe for better balance.
- Refining the execution of pas de cheval, coupé, and sus-sous in pointe shoes.
- Essential stretches and strengthening exercises for the ankles and Achilles tendon.
About This Video
Welcome to Week 4 of the Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe Cohort. This session marks a pivotal point in your journey as we transition from basic mechanics to building the stamina and functional strength required for sustained pointe work. After three weeks of foundational training, we are now ready to combine our knowledge to tackle more complex movements and longer sequences at the barre.
In this class, your instructor guides you through a comprehensive review of basic positions before introducing more intricate exercises such as pas de cheval and coupé. A major focus of this week is the refinement of foot shape and alignment. You will learn the importance of maintaining a beautiful line while executing a sus-sous, ensuring that your weight is distributed correctly through the box and the shank of your shoe. We specifically address the common challenge of lateral instability—the 'wobble'—by teaching you how to anchor your pinky toe and engage your deep turnout muscles to find a rock-solid center.
Beyond just the movements, we delve into the 'why' behind the technique. You will discover how different pointe shoe shapes, like those with more rounded 'boat' profiles, require specific muscular compensations to stay balanced. The class also emphasizes cross-training your balance on flat surfaces to build the proprioception necessary for confident center work in the future. To ensure your safety and longevity in your shoes, we conclude with targeted stretching for the ankles and Achilles tendons, helping you recover and prepare for your next session. Join us as we build the confidence and physical capability to take your pointe work to the next level.
