What You'll Learn
- How to maintain a stable tripod foot position for better balance
- Techniques to align your shins and ankles during demi-plié and relevé
- Drills to increase ankle control and precision in single-leg movements
- The proper way to execute a relevé from a plié to build functional strength
- Visualization tips for keeping the ankle joint still and secure during transitions
About This Video
Preparing for pointe work is one of the most exciting milestones in a dancer's journey. However, it requires significant strength, stability, and precise alignment. In this Broche Ballet pre-pointe session, we focus on the fundamental building blocks of foot and ankle health.
This class is designed to help you achieve a higher demi-pointe, develop stronger feet, and assess your pointe readiness through targeted exercises. Our instructor leads you through a series of movements designed to enhance ankle stability and control. We begin by establishing the "tripod foot"—ensuring weight is evenly distributed across three key points of the foot to prevent rolling or pronation.
You will practice maintaining this solid foundation through demi-plié and relevé, focusing on keeping your shin bones vertically stacked over your ankles. This alignment is crucial for preventing injury and building the necessary power for center work. A key component of this practice is learning to initiate your relevé directly from a plié.
By pushing through the floor rather than straightening the legs first, you build the functional strength required for jumps and pointe transitions. We also incorporate single-leg work, such as balancing in cou-de-pied back, to challenge your stability and precision. Throughout the lesson, you will receive detailed cues on foot placement and positioning.
We emphasize lifting the heels slightly in demi-plié to activate the deep muscles of the lower leg, fostering a sense of control that translates directly to your technique at the barre and in the center. Whether you are preparing for your first pair of pointe shoes or looking to refine your adult ballet technique, these exercises provide the groundwork for a lifetime of strong, healthy dancing.
