What You'll Learn
- How to roll down from pointe on one leg with control and ankle stability
- Advanced sous-sus progressions for improved directional preparation
- Building single-leg endurance through sustained adagio combinations
- Techniques for shaping the box of the pointe shoe using proper toe placement
- Correct alignment for cou-de-pied and arabesque positions en pointe
About This Video
Welcome to Class #5 of the Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe Summer 2021 Cohort. This session is specifically designed to build the foundational strength and technical precision required for confident center work. We focus heavily on single-leg stamina and the intricate control needed to navigate the transition between being en pointe and returning to the floor. Developing this specific strength is crucial for dancers transitioning from barre-based exercises to more fluid movements.
The core of today's lesson revolves around the challenging technique of rolling down on one leg. This requires immense ankle stability and toe control to ensure a smooth, silent descent that doesn't "drop" onto the heel. We will break down how the toes must actively engage with the shank of the shoe to guide the movement, emphasizing that the feet should remain long when standing but curved—never curled—when pointing. Understanding this distinction is vital for protecting your joints and achieving the classic ballet line.
We also dive into the next progression of sous-sus. Moving beyond a simple rise, we explore how a sous-sus serves as a vital preparation for movements in all directions—front, back, and side. You will learn to use the counts of a phrase to find your center and prepare for the next step. Alongside this, our adagio combination is tailored to test your endurance. By sustaining positions like arabesque and cou-de-pied, you will develop the necessary strength to maintain proper alignment and a strong, pointed ankle even as fatigue sets in.
A key technical takeaway today is the concept of "shaping the box." The instructor demonstrates how to use your toes to fill the space within the pointe shoe, ensuring your weight is distributed correctly. Whether you are performing a cou-de-pied reaching for the ribbons or an arabesque with the heel forward, these small adjustments make a significant difference in your stability. Join us at Broche Ballet as we refine these essential skills to help you dance with more grace and security en pointe.
