What You'll Learn
- Master the 'roll down' movement to build essential foot strength and control.
- Improve hip alignment during weight shifts and sous-sous sequences.
- Maintain precise shoe-to-shoe contact during passé for better placement.
- Prevent foot sickling by stretching the inside of the foot and pressing the ankle forward.
- Transition stability from two hands to one hand on the barre for better balance.
About This Video
Welcome to Broche Ballet's comprehensive guide to mastering the fundamentals of pointe work. This 29-minute class is specifically designed to help dancers understand the intricate mechanics of their feet while working at the barre. The core focus of this session is on foot articulation—the way your foot transitions through every stage of a movement, from a flat foot to demi-pointe and finally onto the full box of the shoe.
We begin with foundational exercises that emphasize the "roll down" technique. By moving slowly through the shoe, you build the intrinsic muscle strength necessary for stability and grace. Exercises like tendu and dégagé serve as the building blocks for more complex work.
You will learn how to use your toes to lead every movement, ensuring that your hips remain properly aligned over your standing leg during weight shifts. As we progress, we incorporate pas de cheval and attitude movements to further strengthen the ankles and feet. A major focus of this class is the prevention of sickling.
By learning to press the ankle forward and stretch the inside of the foot—especially during fourth position exercises—you can ensure a clean, safe line. We also cover technical placements such as sous-sous and passé, emphasizing the importance of precise shoe-to-shoe contact. The class transitions from using two hands on the barre to one hand, challenging your balance and core stability.
This progression is vital for preparing you for center work, where you will eventually perform piqué, tombé, and développé without support. Whether you are a student just starting your journey or an intermediate dancer looking to clean up your technique, this session offers the detailed instruction needed to elevate your practice. Join Broche Ballet and transform your technique through mindful, articulated movement and expert guidance.
