What You'll Learn
- The proper technique for executing fluid bourrée and pas de bourrée sequences
- How to maintain ankle strength and stability during piqué and relevé combinations
- Refining the passé and arabesque positions for better alignment en pointe
- Essential recovery stretching techniques for the Achilles tendons and toes
- Preparation for explosive movements including sous-sus and échappé
About This Video
Welcome to Class #11 of the Broche Ballet Summer Cohort. As we move into the latter half of our beginner pointe journey, this session focuses on the critical transition from isolated movements to more fluid, complex combinations. We begin by exploring the bourrée, a foundational step that requires precision and delicate footwork to create the illusion of gliding effortlessly across the floor.
Throughout this class, we emphasize the importance of maintaining long, strong ankles. You will practice piqué combinations and relevés, focusing on controlled descents through demi-plié to build the necessary strength for center work. We also dive into the nuances of arabesque and passé placement, ensuring that your standing leg remains active and grounded—never "soft"—within the pointe shoe.
This active engagement is the key to stability and injury prevention as you progress to more demanding choreography. One of the highlights of this lesson is the introduction of more explosive movements. We prepare the body for sous-sus and échappé, teaching you how to find the lift and "snap" required to reach full pointe quickly and safely.
Understanding the correct way to execute a relevé in combination with piqué steps is vital for any dancer looking to improve their coordination. By slowing down the tempo initially, we allow the body to map the correct movement patterns before increasing the speed. This methodical approach is a hallmark of the Broche Ballet curriculum, designed to help adult learners achieve professional-level detail in their practice.
To ensure your feet and ankles remain healthy, the class concludes with a dedicated stretching sequence. We address the physical demands of dancing en pointe by focusing on the Achilles tendons and the small muscles of the toes. Join us as we refine your technique and build the stamina required for the next level of your ballet training.
