What You'll Learn
- The mechanics of shifting hips forward to achieve single-leg stability
- Maintaining proper ankle alignment and big toe pressure when lifting the back leg
- Perfecting the sous-sus sequence through controlled plié and relevé movements
- Targeted recovery stretches for the ankles, calves, and Achilles tendon
About This Video
Welcome to the fifth installment of the Broche Ballet 16-week Beginner Pointe program. In this session, we transition into one of the most challenging aspects of early pointe work: shifting weight from two feet to a single leg. Building upon the foundations established in previous classes, we focus on the precision required to maintain stability and safety while dancing en pointe.
The lesson begins at the barre, where students are guided through essential exercises to prep the feet and ankles. A significant portion of this class is dedicated to the sous-sus. You will learn to execute this movement with a focus on timing—ensuring you do not rush the pattern but instead take the time to feel each individual foot find its placement.
By emphasizing the transition from a deep plié into a tight relevé, you develop the muscular memory needed for more advanced center work. A key highlight of Class #5 is the exploration of weight shifting. Moving onto one leg requires more than just strength; it requires a precise shift of the hips.
Our instructor demonstrates how to lean forward slightly until the back leg can leave the ground, all while using the barre for light support. We emphasize pressing the ankle toward the big toe during leg lifts to prevent sickling and ensure a strong, vertical line. This alignment is crucial for preventing injury and building the necessary calf strength for future balance exercises.
We conclude the session with a restorative recovery sequence. Dancing en pointe puts unique stress on the lower body, so we incorporate specific stretches for the calves and the Achilles tendon. Learning to turn the feet in and stretch over the top of the foot helps alleviate tension and keeps your feet supple for the next class in the series.
Whether you are following along at home or in a studio, this class provides the technical breakdown necessary to advance your pointe journey with confidence.
