What You'll Learn
- Comprehensive breakdown of pointe shoe anatomy including the box, shank, and platform.
- The four levels of foot articulation: quarter-point, demi-pointe, three-quarter point, and full point.
- Techniques for weight distribution to prevent sickling and ensure safety en pointe.
- How to use the pads of the toes for power and toenails for controlled descent.
- Modifications for tendu and demi-plié mechanics when transitioning from soft shoes to pointe shoes.
About This Video
Welcome to the inaugural session of the 2025 Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe Cohort. Transitioning to pointe work is a monumental milestone for any adult dancer, and this 49-minute class is specifically designed to build a safe, strong foundation from the very first moment you step into your shoes. Led by our expert instructor and demonstrator Kelsey, this session focuses on the mechanical relationship between your feet and your pointe shoes.
We begin with a comprehensive breakdown of pointe shoe anatomy. Understanding the relationship between your foot and the box, shank, platform, and pleats is essential for both comfort and control. You will learn the proper way to secure your ribbons and elastics, ensuring your shoes provide the necessary support for your unique foot structure. A core focus of this lesson is mastering foot articulation inside the shoe. We distinguish between the four levels of articulation: quarter-point, demi-pointe, three-quarter point, and full point. You will discover how to use the pads of your toes to generate power when rising and how to engage your toenails to maintain control during the descent.
Safety is our highest priority at Broche Ballet. We place heavy emphasis on proper weight distribution, teaching you to center your weight over the big and second toes to prevent a "sickle" toward the pinky toe. We also explore how the physical structure of the box affects traditional movements, such as why a demi-plié en pointe is necessarily shallower than in soft shoes. Through foundational exercises like parallel climbs and specific tendu mechanics—where you will learn to actively flex the toes to bend the shank before swiping to full point—you will begin to build the strength and muscle memory required for successful pointe work. Join us as we demystify the mechanics of the shoe and start your 16-week journey with confidence.
