Intermediate Ballet Pointe: Strength, Stamina, and Fast Feet

Welcome to a comprehensive intermediate ballet pointe session at Broche Ballet, designed to push your technical boundaries and build the necessary stamina for advanced work. In this 40-minute practice led by Julie, we divide our time equally between foundational barre work and challenging center combinations. This class is specifically structured for the intermediate dancer who is ready to move beyond basic positions and into more fluid, athletic movements en pointe.

The first 20 minutes are dedicated to a rigorous pointe barre. We begin with exercises involving pliés and fondus to warm up the ankles and engage the core. You will work through pas de cheval and precise piqué exercises to develop the strength required for quick transitions. Julie emphasizes the importance of rolling down through the shoe from a piqué de cou-de-pied to ensure every movement is controlled and articulated. By focusing on proper weight placement and postural alignment during the barre portion, you set a solid foundation for the more demanding center work to follow.

Moving into the center for the final 20 minutes, the focus shifts toward stamina, fast footwork, and dynamic movement across the floor. We explore sequences involving tombé, pas de bourrée, and chassé to travel with grace and speed. You will practice maintaining your turnout and stability during promenades and passé transitions. For those looking for an extra challenge, the class includes optional pirouettes to test your balance, spotting, and core control. Throughout the lesson, you will receive guidance on maintaining confidence and staying lifted in your shoes. Whether you are working on the fluidity of your port de bras or the crispness of your footwork, this class offers a holistic approach to mastering complex movements while achieving a sense of expression.