What You'll Learn
- Transition safely from two hands to one hand on the barre by maintaining core and ankle stability.
- Practice "negatives" via controlled roll-downs through the demi-pointe to build eccentric foot strength.
- Master the alignment of the hips and head as a single unit during piqué and soutenu movements.
- Understand weight distribution in fourth position en pointe for improved balance and safety.
About This Video
Welcome to Broche Ballet’s Beyond Beginner pointe class, designed specifically for dancers ready to bridge the gap between foundational exercises and intermediate fluidity. The primary focus of this session is the critical transition from using two hands on the barre to just one. This shift is essential for developing the core stability, ankle strength, and independent balance required for future center-floor work.
We begin with a thorough warm-up in first position, emphasizing the roll-up to the box and prancing to fully engage the feet and prepare the metatarsals for the demands of the class. As we move into more complex movements, you will practice relevés with port de bras and sous-sus with cambré. These exercises challenge your center of gravity while you learn to maintain a light, stable touch on the barre.
We also incorporate grand battements en pointe to build the power and explosive energy needed for more advanced combinations and jumps. One of the highlights of this class is our focus on technique refinements through "negatives"—the slow, controlled roll-down through the demi-pointe. By resisting gravity on the way down, you build the eccentric strength necessary for injury prevention and graceful transitions.
We also dive deep into the alignment of the hips and head during piqué movements. Understanding how to move these as a single unit ensures you do not lead with the face, which can compromise your balance. The class concludes with weight transfer drills and hybrid combinations.
You will explore weight distribution in fourth position, learning how to roll over the inside corner of the box for maximum stability. By practicing sequences involving tombé, développé back, and passé, you will gain the confidence to move away from the barre and toward more expressive, fluid execution. Whether you are working toward your first pirouette en pointe or simply want to feel more secure in your shoes, this class provides the technical building blocks for success.
