What You'll Learn
- Detailed mechanics and foot placement for a fluid, professional bourrée.
- How to create the shimmering vibration effect from the knees to the ankles.
- Transitioning complex combinations from flat feet to en pointe.
- Essential recovery stretches for the Achilles tendon and calf muscles after pointe work.
- Maintaining soft ankles and knee flexibility during rapid footwork.
About This Video
Welcome to Class #11 of the Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe Summer Cohort. As we move deeper into our training, we begin to layer complex combinations with foundational mechanics. Today’s focus is on one of the most iconic and ethereal movements in ballet: the bourrée.
The bourrée is often described as a shimmering or vibrating movement that allows a dancer to glide across the stage en pointe. To achieve this effect, we must first understand the detailed mechanics of the feet and ankles. In this session, we break down the bourrée from the ground up.
We start on flat feet to understand the weight distribution before rising to full pointe. A key component of a successful bourrée is the relationship between the knees and the ankles. The instructor emphasizes a specific vibration technique where the knees initiate a rapid, small movement that then travels down into the ankles.
This creates the illusion of effortless gliding. We also focus on keeping the ankles soft and flexible; rigidity is the enemy of a fluid bourrée. Beyond the bourrée, this class explores more complex combinations that challenge your stability and placement en pointe.
We incorporate movements like sous-sus and échappé to build the strength required for longer sequences. Finally, we address the physical demands of pointe work. Spending extended time en pointe puts significant pressure on the posterior chain.
We conclude the class with targeted stretches for the Achilles and calf muscles. Using deep demi-plié exercises, we ensure that the muscles remain long and supple, preventing injury and improving future flexibility. Whether you are practicing at home or in the studio, these recovery techniques are essential for every aspiring ballerina to maintain their physical health and improve their technique.
