What You'll Learn
- Master the articulation of the foot by rolling through the demi-pointe and brushing the floor during tendu exercises.
- Develop standing leg stability by keeping the side strong and still during dynamic movements like battu and double frappé.
- Improve balance and control in sous-sus and passé positions while incorporating expressive port de bras.
- Build arch flexibility and ankle strength through focused 'arch burner' exercises in second position.
About This Video
Dancing en pointe requires more than just foot strength; it demands precision, patience, and a deep understanding of alignment. In this 30-minute Pointe Technique Barre class from Broche Ballet, we slow down the movement to focus on the essential building blocks of stable pointe work. By performing exercises at a controlled pace, you allow your muscles to find the correct placement, ensuring a safer and more aesthetic practice.
The session begins with a series of parallel and first-position exercises designed to wake up the feet. We focus heavily on foot articulation, specifically the art of rolling through the demi-pointe to reach the box. You will practice deep demi-plié and crisp tendu movements to ensure you are brushing the floor and using your intrinsic foot muscles before rising to relevé.
This foundational work is critical for preventing injury and building the necessary power for center work. As the class progresses, we explore more complex movements like sous-sus and slow pas de bourrée with pickups. A major focus of this tutorial is maintaining a rock-solid standing leg.
When performing dynamic actions like battu or double frappé, it is common for the supporting side to shift or weaken. This class provides cues to help you keep your hips level and your core engaged, allowing the working leg to move with precision. We also integrate piqué transitions and passé balances to help you find your center of gravity while en pointe.
To add artistry to your technical foundation, we incorporate fluid port de bras throughout the exercises. Coordination between the upper and lower body is what separates a technician from a dancer. Finally, the class concludes with an intense 'arch burner' sequence in second position.
This series is specifically designed to improve flexibility over the box while building the calf and ankle endurance required for classical repertoire. Whether you are new to pointe shoes or an experienced dancer looking to clean up your technique, this Broche Ballet class offers the structured practice needed to excel.
