What You'll Learn
- How to actively articulate through the pointe shoe shank using toe strength
- Techniques for building eccentric strength through controlled 'negative' descents
- Proper foot alignment in cou-de-pied and pas de bourrée to prevent sickling
- Improving stability and weight placement in adagio movements like développé
About This Video
Take your pointe work to the next level with this targeted Technique Barre class from Broche Ballet. This 29-minute session is designed specifically to bridge the gap between basic foot strength and the refined control required for professional-level pointe technique. Whether you are an intermediate student or an advanced dancer, mastering the way your foot interacts with the shoe is the key to both safety and aesthetic beauty.
The core of this lesson focuses on the concept of active articulation. Rather than letting the pointe shoe remain a passive casing for your foot, you will learn to 'bend the shank' using your toe strength. We begin with foundational barre exercises, including meticulous demi-pointe articulations and prances.
By emphasizing the roll through the box, you will develop the necessary transitions that make movements like sous-sous and relevé look effortless. Each movement is a lesson in precision, ensuring that the foot passes through every level of the shoe's support. A major highlight of this class is the focus on 'negatives'—the controlled descent from pointe back to the floor.
Building eccentric strength in your calves and ankles is essential for stability during center work and transitions. You will also work through rond de jambe, pas de bourrée, and balancé sequences that prioritize proper weight placement over the box. To ensure longevity in your dance journey, we place a heavy emphasis on alignment, specifically addressing how to pull the pinky toe back in cou-de-pied and during a tombé to prevent dangerous sickling.
The session culminates in a fluid adagio combination that tests your balance and control. You will practice piqué passé, développé, and enveloppé, applying the strength and articulation built throughout the barre work. This integration of strength into movement is what transforms a technical exercise into an artistic expression.
We conclude with a necessary cool-down for the ankles and calves, leaving you feeling stronger and more aligned.
