What You'll Learn
- Build significant foot and ankle strength through high-repetition relevé and tendu series.
- Master the control of your plié to ensure smooth, safe transitions and landings en pointe.
- Develop center-floor confidence with foundational movements like pas de bourrée and sus-sous.
- Refine your postural alignment and turnout to maintain balance during weight shifts.
About This Video
Welcome to a transformative 25-minute practice session at Broche Ballet, specifically designed to bridge the gap between beginner and intermediate pointe work. This class focuses on 'Pointe Basics,' but don't let the name fool you—these high-repetition combinations are the essential building blocks for developing the lasting strength, stamina, and confidence required for advanced artistry. We begin at the barre, where the focus is on foundational stability.
You will work through a rigorous series of relevés in first and second positions, emphasizing the slow, controlled articulation of the foot through the shoe. The instructor highlights the critical role of the plié as the foundation of all pointe work; it is not just a preparation but a tool for sophisticated control. By mastering the descent and ascent of your plié, you ensure safety and grace in every movement, avoiding the common mistake of 'dropping' out of a rise.
As the class progresses, we move into tendu and tombé exercises. These movements are essential for developing the balance and stability needed to eventually move away from the barre. Proper alignment, turnout, and posture are reinforced throughout, ensuring that your weight is correctly centered over the platform of your shoes.
We then transition into the 'Short Center' portion of the class, which is where true confidence is forged. In the center, you will practice pas de bourrée, chassé, and sus-sous. These steps are vital for learning how to maintain control when shifting weight between feet or finding your center in a static pose.
The instructor provides constant cues on alignment, encouraging you to squeeze a bit of pointe practice into your daily routine to improve muscle memory. By focusing on the beauty and control of each transition, you will find your confidence growing alongside your physical capability. At Broche Ballet, we believe that consistent, mindful repetition is the key to mastering the challenging art of dancing en pointe.
