What You'll Learn
- How to execute a proper échappé by sliding through the shoes rather than jumping
- Techniques for leg and ankle vibration to enhance stability and control
- Refining the pas de bourrée with a focus on rolling through the feet
- Building endurance and vertical alignment in sous-sus and relevé
- Targeted stretches to recover the feet and calves after intensive pointe work
About This Video
Welcome to Class #14 of the Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe Summer Cohort. As we reach the final stages of this series, we shift our focus to one of the most essential movements in the pointe repertoire: the échappé. This "escaping" movement is a fundamental transition that requires a sophisticated blend of strength, control, and fluidity. Unlike jumps in flat shoes, performing an échappé en pointe involves a specific sliding motion that engages the entire leg, from the toes through the calves and into the hips. In this session, our instructor breaks down the mechanics of the movement, emphasizing the importance of proper foot and ankle activation to ensure safety and stability.
You will learn how to slide effectively into second position and return to fifth without losing the integrity of your alignment. We also introduce the concept of "vibration" in the legs and ankles—a specialized training technique designed to improve your micro-stability and flexibility while en pointe. Beyond the échappé, this class serves as a comprehensive review of the foundational steps mastered throughout this cohort. We revisit the sous-sus, focusing on the tight "over-under" positioning of the feet, and refine the pas de bourrée. Particular attention is paid to how we pick up the feet and roll down through the shoes to ensure a silent, controlled landing.
Balance and control on one leg are central themes of today’s practice. Through targeted relevé and balance exercises, you will build the stamina necessary for more complex center work. The class concludes with essential stretches specifically designed to release tension in the feet and calves after performing repetitive échappés. Whether you are building confidence in your first pair of pointe shoes or looking to polish your foundational technique, this class offers the detailed corrections and encouragement you need to advance in your ballet journey with Broche Ballet.
