Beginner Pointe Cohort Week 8: Single-Leg Strength and Sous-sus Articulation

Reach the halfway milestone of your journey with Week 8 of the Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe Cohort. This session focuses on a critical transition in every dancer's development: moving from the stability of two feet to the demanding strength required for single-leg work. We begin by deep-diving into the mechanics of the sous-sus.

You will learn how to properly 'scoop' the feet together, ensuring a tight, fifth-position alignment en pointe that provides a solid foundation for more advanced center work. We emphasize the control needed when descending from a movement, focusing on the articulation of the foot as you return to a demi-plié. Foot articulation remains a primary focus through specialized exercises like roll-ups and potter raises.

These movements are designed to develop the intrinsic muscles of the feet, which are vital for safety and aesthetics while dancing en pointe. By focusing on how the toes strike the ground and how the arch supports the weight, you will build the confidence needed for the upcoming transition into full single-leg relevé work. Throughout the class, we prioritize proper alignment and the firmness of the foot, ensuring you are actively working through your shoes rather than simply standing in them.

As always at Broche Ballet, we remind students that pointe work should only be initiated with the direct approval and supervision of a qualified ballet instructor to ensure long-term physical health and technical success. Prepare to feel the engagement in your calves and the strength in your arches as we refine your technique and prepare you for the second half of this intensive 16-week program.