What You'll Learn
- How to use glute engagement to power a vertical relevé without leaning.
- Techniques for mastering the promenade by controlling the quarter-pointe.
- Exercises to increase calf and ankle stamina for sustained center work.
- Proper alignment for the supporting and working legs during pivots.
- The importance of stretching and recovery for the lower leg muscles.
About This Video
Build the foundational strength and endurance required for classical technique with this targeted Broche Ballet pre-pointe class. Focusing specifically on stamina, this session guides you through a rigorous series of exercises designed to strengthen the feet, ankles, and calves while emphasizing the correct biomechanics of the lower body. Whether you are an aspiring student preparing for your first pair of pointe shoes or an adult dancer looking to improve your stability en demi-pointe, this class provides the technical breakdown you need to succeed.
The lesson begins at the barre, where you will work through foundational demi-plié and quarter-pointe sequences. The instructor places a heavy emphasis on glute engagement as the primary engine for your vertical takeoff. By learning to push straight up from the floor using the glutes, you will avoid the common beginner mistake of rocking or leaning forward into a relevé.
This alignment is crucial for maintaining balance and protecting the joints during more advanced movements. Throughout the class, you will explore the mechanics of the promenade, learning how to use the glute to lift slightly off the heel to initiate a controlled pivot. We also dive into repetitive rising and lowering exercises—moving from a high demi-pointe back to a quarter-pointe—to challenge your stabilizing muscles and build the 'burn' necessary for long-term endurance.
You will learn the importance of keeping the back leg active and pressed against the calf to prevent dangling, ensuring a clean line and maximum control. This comprehensive practice concludes with a focus on turnout and foot placement, followed by essential calf stretches to aid in recovery. By the end of this session, you will have a clearer understanding of how to power your movements from your center, creating a more stable and professional silhouette in your dancing.
Join us to transform your footwork and build the stamina needed for the next level of your ballet journey.
