What You'll Learn
- The mechanics of a powerful relevé en pointe by articulating the toes to 'pry' the box off the floor.
- Techniques for maintaining balance and stability when venturing away from the barre into the center.
- How to execute smooth, fluid bourrées with a 'bungee' lift feeling to avoid heaviness.
- Methods for strengthening the arches and ankles to ensure the shank stays aligned under the foot.
- Strategies to build the confidence required to transition from beginner to intermediate pointe work.
About This Video
Transitioning from the safety of the barre to the center is one of the most exciting and challenging milestones for any ballet dancer. In this comprehensive Broche Ballet class, we dive deep into the fundamentals of pointe work, focusing on building the necessary strength and confidence to move from beginner to intermediate levels. This 27-minute session is designed to bridge the gap between static exercises and fluid movement en pointe.
The lesson begins with a focus on the mechanics of the relevé. Unlike dancing in flat shoes, a relevé en pointe requires a specific articulation of the foot. You will learn how to use your toes to "pry" the platform of the shoe off the floor, launching your heels up and over to find your true center of balance. This action ensures you are fully over your box, preventing the common mistake of "sitting" back in the shoes. We emphasize maintaining firm arches and pushing through the top of the pointe shoe to create a strong, aesthetic line while strengthening the ankles.
Moving away from the barre, we explore the art of the bourrée. This step requires incredible control and a "bungee-like" lift. Instead of feeling heavy or stepping down, the goal is to pull yourself up out of the shoes. By keeping the shank securely under your arch and maintaining a slight bend in the ankles to initiate movement, you can achieve that characteristic floating quality. We practice staying high in the hips and keeping the legs tightly together in sous-sus to ensure stability during center work.
Throughout the class, we discuss the importance of the connection between the toes and the shoe. You will learn how to gently rock your weight to find your sweet spot and how to use your toes to grip and push through the shank. Whether you are working on your first bourrée or trying to sharpen your center relevés, this session provides the technical breakdown needed to advance your pointe work safely and beautifully.
