What You'll Learn
- How to articulate through the shoe from demi-pointe to full pointe
- Techniques for executing smooth sous-sus and pas de bourrée
- Strategies for memorizing and performing longer, more complex sequences
- Targeted Achilles tendon and calf stretches to prevent injury
- Using the 'sneaky heel' method for better alignment and power
About This Video
Welcome to Class 6 of Broche Ballet’s comprehensive 16-week Beginner Pointe Program. At this stage in your journey, you have built the foundational strength necessary to begin integrating individual steps into more fluid, complex sequences. This lesson focuses on the transition from static barre work to the dynamic movement required for center work, emphasizing foot articulation and the coordination of the sous-sus and pas de bourrée.
One of the core themes of this session is the deliberate articulation of the foot within the pointe shoe. We delve into the nuances of demi-pointe and three-quarter pointe, ensuring that you are not just jumping onto the box but rolling through the shoe with control. By mastering the way your toes push off the ground, you generate the power and momentum needed for sharper dégagé movements and more stable transitions.
' This serves as vital sensory feedback to help you maintain proper alignment in space. Keeping the heel lifted while bending the shoe in a plié is essential for maintaining the integrity of the pointe shoe and protecting your ankles. Without this awareness, dancers often 'drop' into their shoes, which can lead to instability and increased risk of injury.
As the combinations grow longer, your mental stamina is just as important as your physical strength. We provide tips for memorizing these sequences, focusing on the rhythmic flow of the pas de bourrée. To wrap up the session, we prioritize recovery with specific stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon, calves, and heels.
These routines are designed to alleviate the aches and pains common in the early stages of pointe work, ensuring you stay healthy throughout the remainder of the 16-week program. Whether you are practicing at home or in a studio, this class provides the professional guidance needed to refine your technique and dance with confidence en pointe.
