What You'll Learn
- How to engage the calf muscle to push 'up and forward' onto the box of the pointe shoe.
- Visualization techniques for the spiraling action of the lower leg to maximize turnout.
- Proper heel and ankle placement to maintain alignment during transitions and center work.
- Techniques for integrating calf engagement into movements like pas de bourrée and passé.
- Refining foot lines and stability through targeted barre and center combinations.
About This Video
Refine your technique and elevate your artistry with this comprehensive pointe basics class from Broche Ballet. Designed to help dancers transition from beginner to intermediate levels, this session focuses on the critical mechanics of the lower leg and foot that create a professional-looking line en pointe. We begin at the barre, where the instructor guides you through foundational exercises including plié, tendu, and fondu.
Throughout these movements, the focus remains on the 'spiraling' action of the calf muscles, a visualization technique essential for maintaining proper turnout and stability. This spiraling helps ensure that the back half of the leg stays forward, preventing the common mistake of pulling back off the box of the pointe shoe. As we move into the center, you will apply these principles to more dynamic combinations.
The lesson covers transitions like pas de bourrée and piqué movements, emphasizing how to keep the heel and ankle of the back foot forward and out. You will learn how to engage the calf muscle to lead your movement, allowing you to get 'up and forward' on your shoes with confidence. By focusing on alignment and the engagement of the lower leg, you will develop the strength required for more complex steps like piqué turns and sustained arabesque positions.
Whether you are looking to fix technical habits or build more secure balance, this 40-minute class provides the anatomical insights and practical drills needed to transform your pointe work. Join Broche Ballet to build the strength and confidence required to move from basic exercises to intermediate artistry while maintaining a healthy, turned-out alignment from the hip down to the tips of your toes.
