What You'll Learn
- Articulate through flex, demi-pointe, and pointe for maximum foot strength.
- Master wing and sickle movements to improve lateral ankle mobility.
- Enhance turnout engagement from a seated first position.
- Develop coordination in retiré and coup de pied positions.
- Build lower leg stamina through rhythmic leg exercises.
About This Video
Welcome to Broche Ballet’s seated Pre-pointe class, a specialized session designed to build the foundational strength, flexibility, and coordination necessary for future pointe work. This 9-minute class focuses on the intricate mechanics of the foot and ankle, breaking down movements into manageable seated exercises. By removing the challenge of balance, you can dedicate your full attention to the precise articulation of your joints and the engagement of your turnout muscles.
We begin in a seated first position with the legs extended. The goal here is to find maximum rotation from the hips, encouraging the pinky toes to rotate down toward the ground. You will learn to move the foot through its full range of motion: starting from a deep flex, rolling through a high demi-pointe or demiplanté, and finally reaching a fully stretched pointe.
This sequence is essential for developing the intrinsic foot strength required for all ballet movements. A highlight of this class is the detailed exploration of lateral ankle mobility through winging and sickling. While a sickled foot is traditionally a technical error in ballet, practicing the movement in a controlled environment allows for better proprioception and ankle health.
You will practice winging the foot—extending the line of the ankle outward—specifically within positions like retiré, coup de pied, and even a seated attitude or reptile stretch. Keeping the heel up and the knee back during these exercises ensures you are working the correct muscle groups to maintain turnout. As the class concludes, we move into stamina-building exercises that involve the rhythmic opening and closing of the legs in first position.
This not only works the adductors but also reinforces the muscle memory needed for stable positions at the barre. Whether you are a beginner preparing for your first pair of pointe shoes or an experienced dancer looking to refine your technique, this Broche Ballet session offers the technical insights needed to elevate your artistry and physical control.
