What You'll Learn
- The correct 'back-side-front' mechanics of the pas de bourrée en pointe
- How to avoid the common mistake of standing on both legs during transitions
- Strength-building exercises for the single-leg plié to improve stability
- Techniques for pointing the foot to drive side-to-side movement
- Maintaining proper foot shape and separation during quick footwork
About This Video
Welcome to Class #4 of our Beginner Pointe Summer Cohort at Broche Ballet. This 30-minute session is dedicated to one of the most fundamental yet complex traveling steps in the ballet vocabulary: the pas de bourrée. Transitioning this step from flat shoes to pointe shoes requires a shift in focus, prioritizing precise footwork, weight distribution, and the avoidance of common habits like lingering in a sous-sus position.
Throughout this class, we break down the mechanics of the pas de bourrée to ensure you are stepping with clarity and confidence. A common mistake for dancers beginning their pointe journey is treating the pas de bourrée as a static position where weight is held on both legs simultaneously. Instead, our instructor emphasizes that this movement is a dynamic sequence of stepping from one foot to the other.
You will learn the 'back-side-front' pattern and how the action of pointing the foot is what drives the movement to the side. By focusing on keeping the feet separate and active, you will develop the agility needed for faster allegro work later in your training. To support this intricate footwork, the class includes targeted exercises for the supporting leg.
We work extensively on the plié on one leg, practicing 'plié and straighten' routines at the barre. This builds the necessary strength in the quadriceps and ankles to support your weight as you transition through the relevé portions of the step. You will also learn the importance of maintaining a shaped back foot and a sharp, pointed front foot to ensure your silhouette remains clean and professional.
Whether you are practicing in your home studio or at the barre, this class provides the visual demonstrations and technical cues necessary to perfect your execution. By the end of this session, you will have a deeper understanding of how to maintain a smooth transition between steps without losing your center of gravity or compromising your alignment en pointe.
