What You'll Learn
- Master pointe shoe anatomy and how to actively 'puppeteer' the shank with your toes.
- Achieve correct alignment on the box, centering weight to avoid sickling and injury.
- Develop essential foot strength through controlled roll-downs and three-quarter point articulation.
- Learn professional ballet etiquette for tying, trimming, and tucking pointe shoe ribbons.
- Adapt foundational movements like plié and fifth position to the structure of pointe shoes.
About This Video
Starting your journey en pointe is a momentous milestone in any dancer's life. This introductory session, part of the Broche Ballet 2025 cohort, is specifically designed to bridge the gap between soft shoes and the demanding world of pointe work. We begin with a comprehensive breakdown of the pointe shoe itself, exploring the anatomy of the box, platform, shank, and wings. Understanding these components is vital because, at Broche Ballet, we teach you to be the 'puppeteer' of your shoes. Instead of letting the shoe dictate your movement, you will learn to actively manipulate the shank using your toe pads and toenails to find a true demi-pointe and a secure position on the platform.
The class moves into essential technical foundations, focusing heavily on alignment and safety. You will learn the importance of the 'bevel' and how to distribute your weight correctly over the big and second toes to prevent a dangerous sickle. Through foundational barre exercises including plié, tendu, and relevé, we focus on the mechanics of the foot within the shoe. A major highlight is the 'negative' movement, where students practice rolling down through a controlled three-quarter point. This specific articulation is the key to building the intrinsic foot strength necessary for more advanced center work.
Beyond technique, this class covers the practical artistry of being a pointe student. We demonstrate the proper way to tie, trim, and tuck your ribbons to ensure they remain secure and aesthetically pleasing throughout your practice. Note: Dancing en pointe requires significant physical preparation. Please ensure you have received professional teacher approval before beginning this class to ensure your feet and ankles are strong enough for the transition. Join us as we build a safe, strong, and beautiful foundation for your ballet practice.
