What You'll Learn
- How to achieve proper heel and ankle alignment during tendu and fondu to prevent sickling.
- Techniques for articulating through the pointe shoe to create a straight line from the shin to the toe.
- Methods for maintaining stability and foot shape during dégagé and arabesque sequences.
- The importance of the 'heel forward' position when rising to pointe for maximum strength and balance.
About This Video
Take your pointe work to the next level with this comprehensive 33-minute ballet barre class from Broche Ballet. Designed for dancers who want to move beyond simply standing on their toes, this session focuses on the intricate mechanics of articulation and alignment that separate students from professionals. You will dive deep into foundational exercises, ensuring every tendu, fondu, and arabesque is executed with technical precision.
The instructor guides you through a detailed series of movements that emphasize the 'how' behind the 'what.' We begin with a thorough pointe shoe warm-up, preparing the metatarsals and ankles for the unique demands of dancing en pointe. You will learn the critical importance of pushing the heel forward and keeping the toes pointed deep into the satin to create a seamless, straight line from the shin to the tip of the shoe. This alignment is vital for both aesthetic beauty and injury prevention.
A significant portion of the class is dedicated to mastering transitions and weight placement. We explore the tendu to the back, focusing on pushing the heel closer to the ground to maintain a square hip and strong ankle. The lesson also covers complex sequences involving fondu and dégagé, where stability and foot shape are paramount. By focusing on the 'pinky up, heel down' mechanism during these movements, you will find greater security in your relevé and significantly better control during balances.
Whether you are working on your passé or refining your coup-de-pied position, this class emphasizes that foot shape matters more than simply achieving full height. By the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of how to use your pointe shoes as an extension of your leg, rather than a separate tool. Join us at Broche Ballet to refine your technique and bring a professional level of articulation to your daily barre practice.
