Beginner Pointe Ballet: Balancing on Flat and Intro to Sous-sus

Welcome to Class #3 of the Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe Summer Cohort. This session is dedicated to the essential mechanics that every dancer needs when transitioning into pointe shoes. Before we can master complex variations, we must first understand how to support ourselves on flat and find our center. This class focuses heavily on the 'behind-the-scenes' work that makes professional pointe work look effortless.

We begin with a deep dive into foot placement and support. You will learn the 'doming' exercise, a critical technique for controlling the pointe shoe with your toes when you are not on the box. We discuss the two distinct modes for the feet: doming to maintain stability on the floor and pointing the toes with precision to get over the box. Understanding how to articulate the foot against the resistance of the shank is vital for developing the strength required for en pointe stability.

Ankle strength and flexibility are also front and center in this lesson. We guide you through specific strengthening exercises, including flexing and pointing with the shank touching under the foot to build resistance. To balance this strength work, we introduce the crisscross stretch, designed to lengthen the front of the ankle and improve your line. These foundational habits are what prevent injury and promote a long, healthy dance practice.

As we move into more active movements, we focus on the mechanics of the plié, relevé, and coupé in pointe shoes. The highlight of this class is our introduction to the sous-sus. We break down how to cross the legs into a tight fifth position, emphasizing proper alignment and control. Whether you are balancing in parallel or executing your first sous-sus, this class provides the technical corrections you need to feel confident and secure in your shoes. Join us at Broche Ballet as we build your pointe technique from the ground up.