What You'll Learn
- Correct technique for executing a stable passé en pointe.
- Strategies for maintaining alignment during a promenade.
- Improving échappé speed by engaging the inner thighs.
- Proper plié mechanics to support single-leg transitions.
- Developing striking footwork for better agility and control.
About This Video
Welcome to this specialized Broche Ballet session focused on the core fundamentals of dancing en pointe. As you transition from beginner to intermediate levels, the challenge often lies in moving away from the stability of two feet and finding your balance on a single leg. This class is designed to help you bridge that gap by focusing on the mechanics of weight placement, alignment, and the muscular engagement required for advanced movements.
We begin at the barre to establish a strong foundation. A significant portion of the lesson is dedicated to the plié, the essential spring for all pointe work. You will learn how to maintain deep, controlled pliés with perfect knee-to-toe alignment, ensuring your transitions into relevé are both safe and powerful.
From there, we explore the passé position. Many students struggle with finding the sweet spot on their shank; we demonstrate how to use the bottom of the toes to graze the side of the leg, creating a secure and aesthetically pleasing line. A highlight of this class is the focus on the échappé.
We break down this movement into its constituent parts, emphasizing the explosive energy needed to move from a closed position to an open one and the subsequent squeeze of the inner thighs to return to a tight sous-sus. This engagement is critical for maintaining stability as you progress to center work. Finally, we tackle the promenade.
Performing a promenade en pointe requires a blend of micro-adjustments in the foot and a solid core. You will practice executing quick, strong movements that allow you to pivot smoothly while maintaining your vertical axis. By striking the match—a metaphor for quick, decisive footwork—you will develop the dynamic quality required for professional-level execution.
Whether you are looking to improve your balance or refine your leg lines, this class provides the technical corrections necessary to elevate your practice.
