What You'll Learn
- Maintaining consistent upper body lift and alignment during bourrées
- Proper ankle engagement for efficiently picking up the foot in pointe shoes
- Techniques to stay lifted and controlled throughout a full pointe barre
- Strategies to transition from beginner to intermediate level pointe work
- Refining piqué technique and core stability for better balance
About This Video
Welcome to Broche Ballet’s dedicated session on foundational pointe work. This 28-minute class is designed for dancers who are ready to transition from beginner basics to more confident intermediate movements. In this session, titled "Pointe Basics Barre," we focus on the essential technical elements that allow a dancer to feel secure and graceful while dancing en pointe. The core philosophy of this class centers on maintaining a constant sense of 'lift.' Many dancers struggle with losing their height during transitions, but our instructor provides specific cues to help you think from the crown of your head rather than the knees.
Throughout the class, we dive deep into the mechanics of footwork, specifically focusing on bourrées and piqué actions. You will learn the importance of maintaining upper body height even while the knees are in a plié. We address common technical pitfalls, such as 'shortening' or separating the legs during rapid movements. By focusing on keeping the legs tight and the toes just above the floor, you will develop the quick, light footwork necessary for advanced variations.
Another critical focus of this practice is ankle engagement. We practice 'picking up' the pointe shoe with the ankles rather than bending the upper body to meet the floor. This ensures that your weight stays centered over the box of the shoe, preventing injury and improving balance. We incorporate fundamental movements like passé and dégagé to reinforce proper alignment and core engagement. By the end of this barre session, you will have a better understanding of how to use your ankles and core to stay lifted and controlled. Whether you are at home or in the studio, this Broche Ballet class provides the corrections and feedback needed to refine your technique and prepare you for the next level of your dance journey.
