What You'll Learn
- Techniques for a controlled roll-down from a single leg en pointe in the center.
- Strategies to improve balance and stability during complex center transitions.
- How to utilize arm placement to maintain core engagement and proper alignment.
- Executing fluid tango-inspired movements and seamless piqué to arabesque transitions.
- Correct foot placement and articulation to showcase technique and pointe shoe work.
About This Video
Join Broche Ballet for an in-depth intermediate pointe class focused on the nuances of center work and weight distribution. Moving away from the barre requires a heightened sense of body awareness, especially when tackling challenging movements like rolling down from a single leg. This session is meticulously structured to help you find that sweet spot of balance where strength meets grace.
The class begins with a series of barre exercises specifically curated to prepare the body for center work. We focus on stabilizing the ankles through relevé and plié sequences, ensuring that the feet are properly warmed up for the demands of being en pointe. Proper alignment is emphasized from the start, as it is the foundation for everything that follows.
You will practice the articulation of the foot, emphasizing the transition from full pointe through the demi-pointe to the floor. In the center, the focus shifts to the mechanics of the single-leg roll down. This is one of the most difficult aspects of pointe work, requiring you to maintain your turnout and core engagement while resisting gravity.
Our instructor breaks down the movement into manageable cues: how to use your arms for stability, where to place your weight, and how to push the foot out from underneath you to ensure a smooth, controlled descent. This pushing action is vital for preventing a drop and instead creating a fluid, professional line. We also explore dynamic transitions, including tango-inspired movements that challenge your coordination.
You will work on transitioning from a deep lunge into a high arabesque, focusing on the lift of the upper body and the reach of the working leg. By the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of how to control your center of gravity, making your pointe work appear effortless and beautiful. Whether you are practicing at home or in a studio, these techniques will help you build the confidence needed for advanced ballet performance.
