What You'll Learn
- Correct alignment and shoe contact for a stable sous-sus
- Mechanics and timing for a precise pas de bourrée en pointe
- Controlled descent techniques to roll down slower than gravity
- Ankle mobility exercises using the crisscross stretch
- The importance of the plié in maintaining balance and control
About This Video
Welcome to Class #5 of the Broche Ballet 16-week Beginner Pointe Program. This session is a critical step in your development, focusing on the essential mechanics and strength strategies needed for seamless transitions and stability. Our focus today centers on two fundamental movements that define the elegance of pointe work: the sous-sus and the pas de bourrée. Throughout this 27-minute class, we break down these movements to ensure you are building the correct muscle memory and alignment.
We begin at the barre with specialized exercises designed to promote 'long feet' and precise footwork. You will learn the importance of maintaining contact between the tips of your pointe shoes during a sous-sus, creating that iconic, narrow silhouette while ensuring your weight is centered and secure. The instructor provides detailed cues on rolling down from en pointe, teaching you to resist gravity and articulate through the demi-pointe for a controlled descent.
Alignment is a recurring theme in this class. You will practice keeping the knees open during every plié, which is essential for maintaining balance and preventing injury. We also introduce the crisscross stretch, a targeted exercise to warm up the ankles and feet, helping you find the right 'groove' for your shank and shoe. If any stretch feels pinchy, the instructor offers modifications to keep your practice safe and effective.
Finally, we tackle the pas de bourrée, a movement that requires rhythmic timing and foot precision. By the end of this session, you will have a deeper understanding of how to use your plié as a tool for control, allowing for fluid movement across the floor. This class provides the technical foundation necessary for any adult dancer looking to excel in their pointe journey with confidence and grace.
