What You'll Learn
- Master foot articulation by rolling through demi-pointe to the box for full control.
- Improve relevé efficiency by eliminating the double bounce in your plié preparation.
- Maintain stability in sous-sous by actively engaging the knees and inner thighs.
- Develop controlled pivots and turnout by focusing on proper heel placement.
- Build foot and ankle strength through repeated transitions between flat and pointe.
About This Video
Welcome to a graceful and technically rigorous 28-minute pointe basics barre session here at Broche Ballet. This class is meticulously designed to help dancers develop the foundational strength and technical precision required for safe and beautiful pointe work. Whether you are relatively new to dancing en pointe or an experienced dancer looking to return to basics, this video provides the essential building blocks for foot articulation and stability.
The core of this session focuses on the mechanics of the foot as it moves from flat to full pointe. Our instructor emphasizes the importance of articulation, ensuring that you roll through the demi-pointe rather than popping directly onto the box of the shoe. This deliberate movement builds the intrinsic muscles of the feet and ensures greater control during transitions.
We explore various exercises at the barre, including pliés, tendus with flexed feet, and dégagés, all tailored to the unique demands of pointe shoes. A key technical concept addressed in this class is the efficiency of the relevé. You will learn to eliminate the double bounce in your plié, adopting the philosophy of down only to go up.
This approach ensures that your energy is directed upward, allowing for a cleaner and more powerful rise. Additionally, we focus on the stability of the sous-sous position, teaching you how to actively squeeze the inner thighs and knees together for a secure, centered balance. Throughout the barre sequence, we also touch upon the nuances of turnout and heel alignment.
Proper heel placement during pivots is crucial to avoid over-turning and to maintain proper alignment with the knees. To add an artistic dimension, the class references classical repertoire like Giselle, helping you connect these technical basics to the ethereal quality of professional performance. By the end of this class, you will have practiced everything from piqué arabesques to controlled pas de bourrée, leaving you feeling stronger and more confident in your pointe shoes.
