What You'll Learn
- Effective parallel stretches to warm up the tops of the feet and ankles.
- How to correctly distribute weight over the big toe and second toe to avoid sickling.
- Techniques for strengthening the 'wing' shape for better en pointe aesthetics and stability.
- Exercises to improve ankle flexibility and help you get over the box of the shoe.
About This Video
Transitioning to pointe work is a significant milestone for any ballet dancer, but it comes with the unique challenge of finding the proper alignment and strength to "get over the box." This specialized 10-minute session from Broche Ballet focuses specifically on pointe stretches and ankle placement to help you achieve a more functional and beautiful line en pointe. The routine is designed to be efficient yet thorough, focusing on the mechanics of the foot within the shoe.
The class begins with essential parallel stretches. By standing in parallel and taking one foot back, you can focus on stretching the front of the ankle and the top of the foot directly. A key focus here is maintaining pressure on the big toe and second toe, ensuring the foot does not sickle or deviate from its central axis. This parallel foundation is crucial for any dancer looking to improve their arch flexibility safely and consistently. These movements help prepare the ligaments for the more intense pressure of weight-bearing exercises.
As you move to the barre, Julie guides you through wing strengthening and placement. Winging is often a misunderstood concept in ballet; while it creates a beautiful line in positions like an arabesque, it requires significant strength and stability when supporting weight. You will learn how to find a position in the ankle where the weight is properly distributed over the big toe rather than falling into the pinky toe. By exploring weight-bearing actions, you will feel the physical sensation of the heel moving forward over the box of the shoe. This specific placement is what allows a dancer to feel secure and lifted while dancing en pointe.
Throughout the practice, you will incorporate movements like plié and relevé to test your range of motion. We explore how rocking the ankles forward in first position can help you discover a greater range of play and flexibility. By the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of how to engage the muscles of the foot and ankle to overcome the resistance of the pointe shoe. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your technique, these stretches are a perfect addition to your daily ballet routine.
