What You'll Learn
- Techniques for rolling down smoothly from pointe on a single leg
- Exercises to increase stamina and ankle stability for future center work
- How to maintain proper foot articulation and 'quick pointing' inside the shoe
- The role of demi-plié and fondu in protecting the Achilles tendon
- Proper alignment and core engagement during relevé transitions
About This Video
Welcome to Week 5 of the Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe Cohort. This session marks a significant milestone in your development as we transition from foundational two-leg exercises to the more demanding requirements of single-leg stability. A primary focus of this class is mastering the art of rolling down through the box of the pointe shoe on a single leg. This movement is essential for developing the control needed for advanced allegro and graceful transitions in the center. Throughout the lesson, we emphasize the importance of maintaining proper ankle alignment and a strong, turned-out leg to ensure safety and aesthetic precision.
We begin our practice at the barre with a series of plié and tendu exercises designed to warm up the intrinsic muscles of the feet and the Achilles tendon. You will learn how to utilize a deep demi-plié to find the necessary resistance and stretch required for a powerful relevé. We also introduce specific drills for dégagé and fondu to build the stamina needed for longer combinations. One of the key technical elements covered today is the 'quick point'—learning to articulate your foot instantly within the pointe shoe. This skill is vital for maintaining the line of the leg during fast-paced movements and pas de bourrée.
Strength and endurance are at the heart of this week's curriculum. By practicing controlled descents from pointe on one leg, you are building the calf strength and core stability necessary to support your entire body weight on a very small platform. The instructor provides detailed guidance on core engagement and weight placement to help you find your vertical axis. We conclude the session with a short combination that brings these elements together, followed by a necessary stretch for the calves and feet. Whether you are practicing at home or in the studio, this class provides the technical building blocks to move en pointe with confidence and grace.
