What You'll Learn
- Proper techniques to support your arches during a relevé
- The importance of toe engagement and pinky toe placement on flat
- How to check Achilles tendon and shin alignment for better stability
- Effective massage techniques to relieve tension in the shins and feet
About This Video
Strong, stable feet are the foundation of every great ballet dancer. Whether you are preparing to dance en pointe or simply want to improve your stability during center practice, understanding how to engage the intricate muscles of the foot is essential. In this Pre-Pointe session at Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of arch stability when standing flat and during a relevé.
Many dancers struggle with maintaining their arches, often allowing the foot to collapse inward or the weight to shift unevenly. This video addresses those common issues by focusing on active engagement. You will learn why pushing through your toes while standing flat is just as important as the lift you feel in a relevé.
By keeping the pinky toes down and evenly distributing weight across the ball of the foot, you create a solid base that protects the ankle and enhances balance. Alignment is another critical component of foot health. We examine the straightness of the Achilles tendon and how it correlates with proper shin alignment.
Misalignment here can lead to strain and injury over time, so learning to monitor these areas is a vital skill for any serious student. To complement the physical work, we also introduce essential self-care techniques. Using targeted massage to roll out the front of the shins can alleviate the tightness that often travels down into the feet and ankles after a long barre.
At Broche Ballet, we believe in a holistic approach to dance. This means prioritizing self-care and listening to your body’s signals. By identifying areas of tension early and addressing them with the techniques shown in this class, you can ensure a longer, healthier dance journey.
Join us as we explore the intersection of strength, mobility, and recovery to help you achieve your best ballet form.