What You'll Learn
- Proper shoe preparation and foot activation for improved lift
- Techniques for stable piqué sous-sus and center balance
- Developing foot tension and toe 'flicking' for smooth transitions
- Maintaining active body positions and control during roll downs
About This Video
Elevate your dance practice with this comprehensive intermediate pointe class from Broche Ballet. This session is meticulously designed for dancers who have moved beyond the basics and are ready to refine their technique both at the barre and in the center. We begin with a critical focus on shoe preparation—stretching and activating the intrinsic muscles of the foot to ensure you can lift up and descend smoothly through the platform of your pointe shoes. Without proper activation, achieving the necessary lift for center work becomes significantly more difficult.
The class transitions through traditional exercises including plié, relevé, and passé, emphasizing the active energy required in the feet throughout the entire range of motion. A key technical highlight of this lesson is the piqué. You will learn to maintain equal tension in both feet, ensuring the back foot is as engaged as the front to provide a stable foundation for your piqué sous-sus. This tension is what allows for the 'spring' needed to reach the full height of the shoe without wobbling or sinking into the box.
We also delve into the nuance of 'flicking' the toes, a vital skill for clean transitions during movements like chassé and pas de bourrée. By focusing on maintaining strong footwork and active body positions, you'll gain the stability and control necessary for complex center work. We address the roll down through the foot, ensuring that the descent from en pointe is just as controlled and graceful as the rise. Whether you are practicing en face or working through complex patterns, this lesson provides the tools to improve your balance and artistic expression. We focus on the coordination of the upper body with the footwork, ensuring that the arms and head complement the technical demands of the legs. Join Broche Ballet for this deep dive into intermediate pointe technique.
