Beginner Pointe Program Class 5: Sous-sus, Pas de Bourrée, and Strength

Welcome back to Class 5 of the 16-week Beginner Pointe Program at Broche Ballet. This session is a pivotal point in your training, designed to deepen your technical foundation as you continue your journey en pointe. We focus heavily on two fundamental movements that define the elegance of ballet: the sous-sus and the pas de bourrée, while introducing strategies to build the necessary foot and ankle strength for more complex center work.

One of the key technical highlights of this class is mastering the correct foot shape. We emphasize keeping the big toe firmly on the ground and dragging it forward during transitions, rather than tucking the pinky toe. This subtle shift ensures better alignment, prevents common injuries, and creates a stronger line en pointe.

We also dive into the specifics of the sous-sus (or sous-sous), teaching you how to keep the back foot perfectly in line with the front to create that iconic, singular silhouette. As we move into adagio combinations, you will learn how to maintain control through the transitions. Whether you are executing a coupé or balancing on one leg, the instructor provides detailed cues on squeezing the foot into the heel and calf to engage the correct muscles for stability.

You’ll also learn the importance of the demi-plié as a tool for recovery; using the depth of your plié to stretch the Achilles and relieve tension in the feet is essential for long-term comfort and progress. Finally, this class addresses the practical side of pointe work, including pain management and shoe fit. Understanding how your shoe should feel and how to work through common discomforts is just as important as the physical exercises themselves.

Join us for this comprehensive session and gain the confidence to advance through the rest of the program.