What You'll Learn
- Effective foot and ankle massage techniques to break up scar tissue and adhesions
- How to use body weight and gravity for deeper muscle mobilization and relief
- The calf squish technique for post-class recovery and improved flexibility
- Targeted exercises to improve toe articulation and overall ankle range of motion
About This Video
Unlock the potential of your feet and ankles with this comprehensive pre-pointe mobility session from Broche Ballet. Whether your goal is to dance en pointe or you simply want to enhance your stability and range of motion in soft shoes, this class provides the essential tools for dancer longevity. In this video, Julie guides you through targeted mobilization and recovery techniques designed to address the unique demands placed on a dancer's lower extremities.
The session begins by focusing on the feet, where we use clawing actions to stimulate blood flow and prepare the tissue for deeper work. You will learn how to identify hot spots—areas of tension or accumulated scar tissue—and use your thumbs, elbows, and body weight to effectively release these adhesions. By breaking up tight fascia along the arches and between the toes, you create more space for articulation, making every tendu and dégagé more precise.
One of the highlights of this practice is the calf squish technique. This method uses the pressure of one shin against the opposite calf muscle while on all fours to provide a deep tissue release that manual massage often cannot reach. It is a powerful recovery tool for any dancer who experiences tightness after extensive relevé work or high-impact jumps.
At Broche Ballet, we believe that foot health is the foundation of good technique. Improving your ankle flexibility and reducing muscular tension not only helps you achieve a more aesthetic line but also protects you from common injuries such as tendonitis. Join Julie for this essential foot and ankle clinic and discover how a few minutes of focused mobilization can transform your ballet practice.
