What You'll Learn
- Techniques for maintaining single-leg stability during barre and center exercises.
- Proper execution of pas de cheval and soutenu transitions while en pointe.
- Strategies for momentum control to prevent falling off-balance during turns.
- Alignment tips to keep the ribs forward and the back supported for better posture.
- How to manage 'roomy heels' to ensure smooth footwork transitions.
About This Video
Transitioning from beginner to intermediate pointe work is a significant milestone in any dancer’s journey. This Broche Ballet class, "Pointe Basics: Barre and Center," is specifically designed to help you build the strength and confidence necessary for that leap. Over the course of nearly 44 minutes, you will engage in a structured practice that prioritizes stability, alignment, and technical precision both at the barre and in the center.
The session begins with a focused barre routine. Here, we delve into exercises like rond de jambe en l'air, where the emphasis is placed on single-leg stability. One of the most valuable takeaways from this section is the refined approach to the pas de cheval.
By visualizing the working foot moving through a "baby first position," you can better maintain your weight over the supporting leg, ensuring a clean and controlled movement. As we move into the center, the challenge increases as you lose the support of the barre. This segment covers classic center exercises in pointe shoes, including soutenu and passé transitions.
A recurring theme throughout the class is momentum control. The instructor explains that maintaining tight legs during balances and turns is essential; without this tension, your momentum will likely carry you off-balance. Furthermore, you will receive specific corrections on posture, such as keeping the ribs forward and the back fully supported to maintain a strong vertical axis.
Technical nuances often make the biggest difference in pointe work. For instance, the class addresses how to keep your heels "roomy" to allow your feet to pass each other during complex footwork without interference. We also examine the soutenu pickup on the way out of a turn, reminding dancers to keep their weight forward and avoid leaning back too early.
Whether you are looking to improve your balance or sharpen your execution of specific steps like the pas de cheval or sous-sus, this class offers the detailed guidance needed to elevate your practice. Join Broche Ballet and refine your pointe technique today.
