Pointe Basics Barre: Getting Over the Box and Refining Technique

In this comprehensive pointe basics barre session from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into one of the most fundamental yet challenging aspects of dancing en pointe: getting over the box. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your intermediate technique, understanding how to manipulate your pointe shoes and maintain proper alignment is crucial for both safety and aesthetic excellence. The lesson begins with a focus on footwork and shoe manipulation.

You will learn how to shape the shank to better support your arch, ensuring that your foot is correctly positioned within the shoe. The instructor provides a detailed breakdown of how to maintain straight legs during complex movements such as piqués, fondus, and relevés. A common struggle for many dancers is the tendency for knees to lift or wobble when rising en pointe; this class addresses these issues head-on with practical exercises designed to build stability and confidence.

A key highlight of this tutorial is the exploration of weight transfer. Many dancers struggle with the hidden difficulty of movements like the pas de bourrée when moving away from the barre. You will learn how to power up one leg to fully take your weight before transferring to the other, a skill that is essential for fluid movement across the floor.

The class also covers the importance of keeping the heel high and the shank shaped during side leaning movements. By focusing on the mechanics of the piqué, you will discover how to lift the heel off the ground before pushing off, ensuring you take weight on the foot that will leave the ground last. These nuanced technical adjustments are what bridge the gap between a beginner and an intermediate dancer.

Join us at Broche Ballet as we practice the plié, pause, and step sequence to develop the balance and control needed for masterful pointe work.