What You'll Learn
- Techniques to articulate the foot through demi-pointe for maximum control.
- Exercises to strengthen the arches and manipulate the shape of the pointe shoe.
- Proper ankle alignment to ensure stability during relevé and sous-sus.
- How to maintain balance and placement during nonstop pointework sequences.
- Methods for using the toes and intrinsic muscles to drive movement rather than gravity.
About This Video
Enhance your footwork with the "Fabulous 15," an intensive 15-minute nonstop follow-along session designed specifically for dancers looking to cultivate strong, expressive arches. At Broche Ballet, we believe that pointework is not just about standing on your toes—it is about the active manipulation of the foot and the shoe to create strength, stability, and beautiful lines. This practice session moves quickly through a series of essential exercises, including plié, relevé, tombé, and sous-sus.
The focus remains steadfast on the articulation of the foot, specifically the transition through demi-pointe. By focusing on rolling through the feet, you will develop the muscular control needed to change the shape of your shoe through your arch and toes, rather than relying on the stiffness of the shank or the pull of gravity. As you follow along, the instructor emphasizes the importance of proper ankle alignment.
You will work on keeping the heel in line and avoiding any misalignment, ensuring that your weight is centered over the platform of the shoe. This is vital for maintaining balance in movements like échappé and passé. We also touch upon maintaining the arch shape during quick movements, which challenges your ability to stay lifted while executing precise footwork.
The "Fabulous 15" is structured to build endurance. Holding a sous-sus or performing repeated relevés requires not just strength, but the stamina to keep the arches lifted throughout a variation. This class bridges the gap between basic barre work and the demands of center practice.
By the end of this 15-minute challenge, you will have worked every muscle in your feet and ankles. Regular practice of these exercises helps in maintaining flexibility and control, allowing for a more fluid and powerful performance en pointe. Whether you are training at home or in the studio, this Broche Ballet session provides the concentrated effort needed to transform your pointework from the ground up.
