What You'll Learn
- How to use floor traction to engage and strengthen the arches
- Techniques for a smooth, controlled roll through the box en pointe
- Parallel and turnout exercises to improve foot articulation and alignment
- Effective stretching methods to shape the foot and increase flexibility
- Breathing and balance techniques to maintain stability during relevé
About This Video
Elevate your daily dance practice with this focused follow-along session from Broche Ballet. Designed specifically for dancers working en pointe, this 9-minute warmup targets the intricate muscles of the feet and ankles to help you achieve stronger, more supple arches. Whether you are preparing for a full class or simply looking to maintain your foot strength at home, this routine provides the essential foundation needed for stable and graceful pointe work.
The session begins with fundamental parallel movements, including demi-plié and deliberate stretching. By starting in parallel, you can focus entirely on the articulation of the metatarsals and the alignment of the ankles without the added complexity of turnout. As the music transitions into a festive Nutcracker theme, you will progress into relevé exercises.
These movements are designed to engage the entire body, ensuring that your core is active and your weight is correctly centered over your box. A key component of this tutorial is the concept of floor traction. Your instructor will guide you through using the resistance of the floor to keep your heels high and your arches fully engaged.
You will learn how to push through the floor during a plié, roll smoothly to the box, and find a steady balance. This focus on shaping the foot—pushing the heels forward and the arches out—is what creates that sought-after aesthetic in classical ballet. Throughout the video, the emphasis remains on control and smooth transitions.
Rather than rushing through repetitions, you are encouraged to find the prance in your steps and maintain a steady rhythm. This mindful approach helps prevent common injuries and ensures that every relevé is executed with precision. Additionally, the inclusion of breathing exercises helps to relax the upper body, allowing you to focus your energy where it is needed most: your feet.
By integrating this routine into your daily schedule, you will see noticeable improvements in your foot placement and overall stability en pointe.
