What You'll Learn
- Proper execution of sus-sous moving to the front, side, and back
- Techniques for articulating and pointing the feet effectively inside pointe shoes
- Upper body alignment tips for maintaining balance while pulling the shoulders down
- Essential foot and arch recovery stretches including wing muscle releases
- Specific drills designed to build the single-leg strength required for future center work
About This Video
In Class #6 of the 2025 Cohort at Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the essential foundations of beginner pointe work. This 40-minute practice session focuses on the sus-sous, a fundamental movement that requires precision, strength, and correct alignment. Whether you are just starting your journey en pointe or looking to refine your technique, this class provides the step-by-step guidance necessary to move with confidence and grace.
The lesson begins with a focus on foot articulation. Learning how to properly point your feet inside the hard box of a pointe shoe is a skill in itself. We explore the transition through demi-pointe and the importance of a deep plié to generate the power needed for a clean relevé.
Our instructor emphasizes the importance of separating the heels during the transition, ensuring that your weight is distributed correctly to avoid sickling or over-straining the ankles. A major portion of the class is dedicated to mastering the sus-sous in various directions—front, side, and back. We start at a slow tempo to ensure every student understands the pathway of the feet before gradually increasing the speed.
This repetition is key to building the muscle memory required for more complex center work. Beyond the feet, we address upper body carriage, reminding dancers to pull the shoulders and elbows down to create a stable, elegant line. We also touch upon the beginnings of pas de bourrée and the necessity of building single-leg strength.
As you progress, being able to sustain your weight on one leg en pointe becomes vital. To wrap up the session, we perform a series of targeted stretches. You will learn how to roll onto the outer edge of the foot to stretch the muscles used for winging and how to safely stretch your arches after intensive work.
This class is an essential building block for any dancer looking to excel in their pointe training with Broche Ballet.
