Beginner Pointe Cohort Week 4: Mastering Sous-sus and Footwork

Welcome to the fourth week of the Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe Cohort! As you progress through this 16-week program, consistency is key to developing the strength and confidence needed to dance en pointe. This week, we focus heavily on mastering the sous-sus—a foundational position that serves as a vital transition point for many advanced movements.

Mastering the "up and over" action of the sous-sus ensures you are properly over your box and maintaining a secure, lifted center. Throughout this 30-minute practice, we explore the intricate footwork required for beginner pointe. You will be guided through tendu and temps lié combinations that are specifically sequenced to warm up the metatarsals and stretch the calves.

We also introduce pas de cheval and rond de jambe, emphasizing the "horse-like" brush of the foot and the circular path of the leg while maintaining stability on your supporting side. A major focus of this session is the relationship between the foot and the shoe. Our instructors provide professional insights on how to work with your shoes, including tips on detaching the shank to better hug the arch and ensuring your ribbons and elastic provide the necessary support without restricting movement.

Building stamina is a core objective of this cohort. By performing these combinations in sequence with minimal rest, you are training your muscles for the rigors of center work. However, safety remains our priority.

We include modifications for dancers experiencing foot discomfort or shoe-fit issues. To conclude the session, we transition into a comprehensive recovery routine. Stretching the calves, Achilles tendon, and the soles of the feet is essential for every pointe student to prevent tightness and injury.

This week 4 class at Broche Ballet provides the perfect blend of technical rigor and supportive guidance to help you feel more at home in your pointe shoes.