Beginner Pointe Program Class 8: Mastering Sous-sus and Pas de Bourrée

Welcome to Class 8 of the Broche Ballet 16-week Beginner Pointe Program! As we reach the halfway point of our curriculum, we shift our focus toward the repetition and refinement necessary to build true confidence and strength on your toes. This session is specifically designed to deepen your understanding of foundational movements like the sous-sus and the pas de bourrée, ensuring your alignment is impeccable before advancing.

We begin with targeted exercises at the barre to enhance foot mobility and ankle stability. You will practice flexing and bending with straight legs, then with bent legs, and finally in double time. These repetitive drills are essential for developing the dexterity required to articulate through your pointe shoes.

We place a heavy emphasis on the 'dome' of the foot and maintaining proper turnout even during complex footwork. The core of today's lesson focuses on the sous-sus. You will practice drawing the feet together into a tight fifth position en pointe, ensuring the heels are touching and the legs are fully zipped up.

We also explore the mechanics of the pas de bourrée, moving through the back, side, and front positions with precision. The instructor provides detailed feedback on maintaining a square pelvis and keeping the back foot strictly behind during bourrée movements. At Broche Ballet, we believe that technique is the floor, not the ceiling.

By mastering these intricate foot shapes and weight transfers now, you are building the stamina needed for more complex center work. Remember to keep your movements fluid and your alignment vertical throughout the plié and relevé sequences. Whether you are practicing at home or in a studio, this class provides the professional guidance necessary to elevate your pointe work safely and effectively.