What You'll Learn
- Engage the tree frog foot position to increase surface area and stability while balancing.
- Improve articulation by focusing on the demi-pointe transition when moving off the box.
- Drive the elbows down during an échappé to maintain a centered weight placement.
- Develop the foot arch through specific floor traction stretching techniques.
About This Video
Welcome to Class #15 of the Broche Ballet 2025 cohort. This session is dedicated to elevating your en pointe work by focusing on the foundational elements of foot articulation and ankle stability. We dive deep into the mechanics of the relevé, specifically the crucial demi-pointe transition.
Understanding how to move through the box rather than popping off it is key to preventing falls and maintaining elegant height. The instructor introduces the tree frog analogy—a unique Broche Ballet approach to widening the pinky toe to create a larger base of support within the shoe. This subtle adjustment significantly improves your balance on flat and while rising to the tips of your toes.
The curriculum moves from the barre to the center, utilizing demi-plié, tendu, and cambré to warm up the joints and find your center. We then progress to more demanding movements like fondu, rond de jambe, and échappé. A special emphasis is placed on the échappé power; by driving the elbows down during the ascent, you will learn to keep your weight centered over the hips and avoid the common pitfall of leaning forward.
For those looking to improve their arch, the class explores how to incorporate traction through the floor during stretches to better develop the top of the foot. The class culminates in a lyrical adagio. Here, we combine technical precision—including pas de cheval and ton lié—with artistic expression.
This ensures that while you are building the physical strength required to stay en pointe, you are also developing the grace and fluidity required for professional-level performance. Whether you are a beginner looking for a solid foundation or an intermediate dancer refining your craft, this class provides the technical cues needed for success.
