What You'll Learn
- Correct alignment and posture for stable, confident pointe work
- Techniques for getting fully over your box in relevé to ensure proper weight distribution
- Core engagement strategies to maintain balance during complex movements
- How to properly execute a quick foot switch in sous-sus without losing stability
- Developing functional strength in the feet and legs through controlled développé and enveloppé
About This Video
Building a solid foundation in pointe work is essential for any aspiring dancer. In this Pointe Basics Barre class from Broche Ballet, we focus on the fundamental mechanics required to achieve straight, strong legs and the technical precision needed to get fully over your box. Over the course of 26 minutes, you will engage in a comprehensive barre routine designed to bridge the gap between beginner and intermediate pointe technique.
The class begins with essential movements like the plié and tendu, which are foundational for warming up the feet and ankles. By focusing on proper form early in the session, you ensure that your alignment remains consistent as the exercises become more complex. Our instructor emphasizes the importance of core engagement, which is vital for maintaining balance when performing relevés and sous-sus. You will learn how to execute a quick switch of the feet while maintaining a stable center, a skill that is crucial for both barre and center floor work.
A major focus of this session is getting over your box. This refers to the proper placement of the foot within the pointe shoe, ensuring your weight is centered over the platform. To achieve this, the class incorporates targeted exercises like développé and enveloppé to build the necessary strength in the legs and flexibility in the ankles. We also address common challenges, such as knee-bar interference, by teaching you how to adjust your angle at the barre without compromising your technique.
Throughout the class, you will practice holding positions for extended periods to build endurance. Whether you are working through a passé or a sustained sous-sus, the goal is to develop the functional power in your feet that translates into effortless movement. By the end of this practice, you will have a better understanding of how to use the barre as a support system to refine your technique, preparing you for the demands of center-floor exercises.
