What You'll Learn
- Precise mechanics for a stable sous-sus and fluid pas de bourrée transition.
- Targeted exercises to improve foot articulation and ankle strength for pointe work.
- Core engagement strategies to maintain balance and vertical alignment during weight shifts.
- Proper demi-pointe positioning and alignment to prevent common knuckling injuries.
- Recovery techniques and essential stretches for foot health after intensive practice.
About This Video
Welcome to Class 5 of the Broche Ballet Beginner Pointe 16-week Program. This session is a pivotal milestone in your training, designed to bridge the gap between basic footwork and the essential foundational movements that define successful pointe work: the sous-sus and the pas de bourrée. At Broche Ballet, we believe that a strong technical foundation is the key to longevity and artistry in dance.
This class focuses on building the specific muscular strength and proprioception required to transition from soft shoes to dancing en pointe safely. We begin the session with a rigorous focus on demi-pointe technique at the barre. Establishing a high, stable relevé is crucial before attempting to support your weight on the tips of your toes.
Building strength in the ankles, calves, and the small intrinsic muscles of the feet is vital for safety. Throughout this 29-minute practice, you will work through a series of exercises including dégagé, relevé, and variations in coup de pied. A primary focus remains on maintaining long, flat toes inside the shoe and avoiding the common mistake of knuckling or curling the toes to find grip.
We emphasize the importance of core engagement throughout every combination. A strong, active center is the secret to balance and control, especially as you navigate the weight shifts required for a pas de bourrée. Our instructor provides detailed feedback on alignment, specifically monitoring the track of the knees over the toes in plié to ensure joint safety.
You will learn how to articulate the foot through the floor, using the floor as resistance to build power. By the end of this class, you will have a deeper understanding of how to maintain turnout while transitioning through a tight sous-sus and executing a clean, rhythmic pas de bourrée. We conclude with essential stretching and foot care tips to ensure proper recovery after intensive work.
Whether you are a dedicated adult beginner or an experienced dancer looking to refine your technical base, this class offers the structured, professional approach needed for a successful and healthy pointe journey.
