Pointe Basics: Refining Technique and Gaining Confidence in Weight Shifting

Welcome to Broche Ballet’s dedicated session on mastering the fundamentals of pointe work. Transitioning from soft shoes to pointe shoes is a monumental milestone for every dancer, requiring not just physical strength but a deep understanding of weight distribution and precision in movement. In this class, we focus on Pointe Basics, specifically designed to help you move from a beginner level into more intermediate combinations with grace, stability, and artistic flair.

We dive deep into essential movements such as the échappé, sous-sus, and passé. A major focus of this tutorial is the concept of fast weight shifting. Often, dancers struggle with the transition from a plié to being en pointe.

We break down the mechanics of the échappé, emphasizing the importance of sliding the foot along the floor before popping up to the tips of your toes. This sliding action ensures you are using your floor resistance to gain power and control, rather than just jumping onto the box of the shoe, which can lead to instability. The instructor provides detailed corrections on back foot placement and alignment.

You will learn how to maintain a long, smooth pathway for the back leg during transitions, ensuring that your sous-sus is tight and your passé is secure and high. We also cover the nuances of using the barre effectively—knowing when to use one hand or two—to support your balance as you refine your roll-down and work on your overall stability. By focusing on the push at the very end of your rise, you’ll develop the necessary ankle and intrinsic foot strength to sustain longer, more complex sequences.

We also address the importance of maintaining turnout through the hips, even during rapid weight shifts. Whether you are looking to clean up your technique or seeking the confidence to tackle faster tempos, this Broche Ballet class provides the vital technical building blocks for successful and safe pointe work.