What You'll Learn
- How to securely tie pointe shoe ribbons and manage padding for comfort
- Proper toe alignment and placement inside the box to prevent injury
- Technique for rolling through the foot and executing a relevé in first position
- Strengthening exercises for the feet and ankles specifically for pointe work
- How to engage the core and lift the kneecaps for better stability en pointe
About This Video
Welcome to the first class of the Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe Summer 2021 Cohort. Transitioning to pointe work is a monumental milestone in any dancer’s journey, and this introductory session is designed to ensure you start with a strong, safe foundation. We begin at the very beginning: the ritual of preparing your shoes.
You will learn the correct technique for tying your ribbons and adjusting your padding to ensure a secure fit that supports your ankles without restricting movement. A significant portion of this lesson is dedicated to the 'unseen' work inside the shoe. Understanding toe placement and alignment is crucial for preventing injury and building proper technique.
Our instructor provides detailed guidance on how to engage your toes, ensuring the pinky toes remain down and the weight is distributed correctly. You will learn how to articulate through your feet even within the stiff box of the pointe shoe, focusing on the relationship between your arches and the shank. As we move to the barre, we introduce foundational movements.
You will practice rolling through the foot and performing a relevé in first position. The instructor emphasizes the importance of a deep plié as the powerhouse for your rise, as well as the engagement of the core, quads, and lifting of the kneecaps to maintain stability. We also discuss individual anatomical differences, acknowledging that some dancers may need to focus more on ankle flexibility while others work on lengthening their toes.
At Broche Ballet, we believe in a mindful approach to dance. This class encourages you to listen to your body, take breaks when needed, and be patient with the learning curve. Pointe work is physically demanding and can be exhausting initially, but with consistent practice and attention to these fundamental details, you will build the strength and confidence necessary to dance en pointe beautifully and safely.
