What You'll Learn
- Master the alignment of the femur and foot for stable échappé and plié en pointe.
- Execute clean, precise transitions during sous-sus and pas de bourrée exercises.
- Develop the ankle strength required for sustained balance and controlled tombé movements.
- Understand the mechanics of the pointe shoe for better footwork precision and foré.
- Improve overall posture and turnout while performing foundational pointe drills.
About This Video
Transitioning from a beginner to an intermediate dancer requires a rock-solid foundation in pointe work. In this Pointe Basics session with Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics that turn a simple rise into a confident, stable movement. Whether you are refining your rélevé passé or working on the intricacies of your footwork, this class provides the technical guidance needed to excel en pointe.
The class begins at the barre, where the focus is on developing the necessary ankle strength and alignment. We explore the essential foot action for moves like plié en pointe and échappé, emphasizing the importance of keeping the femur bone in an open, rotated position. By focusing on these mechanics, dancers can ensure they are using their turnout effectively while maintaining balance over their platform.
As the class progresses, we tackle precise transitions including sous-sus and pas de bourrée. These movements are the building blocks of fluid pointe choreography. You will learn how to maintain control during transitions, paying close attention to the mechanics of the shoe itself—specifically how to pick up the shoe from the drawstring casing during foré exercises.
This level of detail helps prevent sickling and ensures a clean line from the hip to the toe. Throughout the practice, we emphasize the tombé and frappé actions to sharpen foot speed and precision. Developing these quick transitions, such as moving from a sous-sus flex to a foré, is vital for dancers looking to move beyond basic exercises into more complex center work.
At Broche Ballet, we believe the secret to a beautiful rélevé passé lies in the discipline of the basics. This class is designed to give you the mental and physical tools to feel secure in your shoes, allowing you to focus on the joy of dance rather than the struggle of stability. With consistent practice of these barre-based pointe drills, you will see a transformation in your strength and overall ballet technique.
