What You'll Learn
- The proper mechanics of a relevé in first position
- How to articulate through the shoe by lengthening toes to the floor
- Techniques to avoid bending knees when rising onto the box
- Tips for managing big toe pressure and assessing proper shoe fit
- The relationship between strong, straight knees and ankle stability
About This Video
Welcome to the second session of our Beginner Pointe Summer Cohort at Broche Ballet. This class is a fundamental step in your journey toward mastering en pointe work, focusing specifically on relevés in first position and the intricate mechanics of shoe articulation. Transitioning from soft shoes to pointe shoes requires a deep understanding of how to engage the feet and ankles to support your entire body weight on a very small surface area.
In this lesson, we break down the mechanics of the relevé starting from the initial plié. You will learn how to lengthen your toes toward the ground while pushing the ankles forward and out to achieve a solid, centered position on the box of the shoe. One of the most common challenges for beginner students is the tendency to bend the knees to compensate for stiff shoes or lack of ankle flexibility when trying to reach the height of the shoe's box.
Our instructor emphasizes the importance of straight, strong legs and fully stretched knees, which are essential for properly working the ankles and ensuring a safe rise. We also address the critical aspect of comfort and shoe fit. Proper shoe articulation is impossible if your equipment isn't working for you.
If you find that your big toe is bearing too much painful weight, it may be a sign of improper shoe fit, needing different padding, or a lack of lift in the arches. We discuss how the big toe should handle weight-bearing responsibilities without causing distress and provide tips for adjusting your technique to find relief. By focusing on alignment from the bottom of the plié through the peak of the rise, you will build the necessary muscle memory and strength to dance safely and gracefully.
Whether you are struggling with 'getting over your box' or simply looking to refine your transition through demi-pointe, this class provides the technical foundation needed for successful, long-term pointe work with Broche Ballet.
