What You'll Learn
- Identify pointe shoe anatomy and learn to properly tie ribbons for support.
- Master proper ankle alignment over the big toe to prevent injury.
- Strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the feet and articulate toes inside the box.
- Execute controlled relevé and plié movements while en pointe.
- Maintain straight knees and active turnout from the hips during exercises.
About This Video
Welcome to your very first class in the Beginner Pointe Summer Cohort at Broche Ballet. Transitioning from flat shoes to dancing en pointe is a monumental milestone in any dancer's journey. This introductory session is designed to demystify the pointe shoe and lay a solid foundation for your future practice.
We begin with a deep dive into shoe anatomy, ensuring you understand how the platform, box, and ribbons work together to support your weight. Learning to tie your ribbons correctly isn't just about aesthetics; it is about safety and providing the necessary support for your ankles. Once the shoes are on, we move into active exercises designed to build the specific foot and ankle strength required for pointe work.
You will learn how to articulate your toes inside the box, reaching for the floor and engaging the intrinsic muscles of the feet. Proper alignment is our primary focus; we emphasize keeping the ankle lined up over the big toe to avoid sickling or putting too much weight on the pinky toe. We also address the common challenge of maintaining straight kneecaps.
Even if you need to back off the box slightly, keeping a straight leg is crucial for long-term progress and injury prevention. Throughout the class, we explore fundamental movements such as relevé and plié. You will practice rolling down through the shoe to find a soft, controlled landing.
We also introduce the concept of maintaining turnout while en pointe, focusing on rotating the legs from the top of the hips. It is normal to feel some discomfort or exhaustion in these early stages as your body adapts to the new demands of the shoes. By the end of this session, you will have a clearer understanding of how to work with your shoes rather than against them, setting the stage for the remaining classes in this comprehensive series.
