What You'll Learn
- How to engage the everters for improved lateral stability and ankle alignment en pointe.
- The technique of pushing the ankle forward in a plié relevé to secure weight over the shoe.
- Building stamina and muscle memory through 8-count holds in single-leg positions.
- Effective recovery stretches for the outside of the feet to release tension after pointe work.
About This Video
Elevate your pointe work with this focused session from Broche Ballet, specifically designed for dancers seeking to improve their technical foundation. Stability on one leg is one of the most challenging aspects of dancing en pointe, requiring a delicate balance of strength, alignment, and precise muscle engagement. In this extra bonus class, we dive deep into the mechanics of single-leg stability to help you feel secure and confident in your pointe shoes.
The lesson emphasizes the critical sensation of pushing the ankles forward. This movement is essential for engaging the correct muscles—specifically the everters—to maintain a neutral alignment and prevent a sickle or rolling. By focusing on the feeling of the heel moving toward the calf during a plié relevé, you will learn how to secure your weight directly over the platform of the shoe.
We guide you through a series of exercises including demi-plié, relevé, and positions in coupé. To maximize the benefits, many of these movements involve holding positions for a full eight counts. These extended holds are not just about building physical stamina; they are vital for solidifying muscle memory, allowing your body to recognize and return to the correct alignment automatically during faster combinations.
Beyond strength, this class addresses the physical demands of pointe work by incorporating targeted recovery. You will learn how to properly stretch the outside of the feet and the calves to counteract the tension that naturally builds during single-leg exercises. This holistic approach ensures that you are building a sustainable practice that honors your body's needs.
Whether you are struggling with a wobbly ankle or simply want to improve your centeredness, this Broche Ballet class provides the technical breakdown necessary for progress.
