What You'll Learn
- How to articulate through the toes and knuckles during tendu and dégagé movements.
- Techniques for maintaining a lifted arch and proper ankle alignment to prevent injury.
- Ways to engage the quads and core to support footwork and overall stability.
- Essential stretches for the calves and the underside of the foot to improve flexibility.
About This Video
Preparing for pointe work is a significant milestone in any dancer's journey, requiring a solid foundation of strength, flexibility, and precise control. This Broche Ballet pre-pointe class is specifically designed to help you develop the necessary foot articulation and ankle stability needed for advanced ballet technique. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced dancer looking to refine your foundations, this session focuses on the intricate mechanics of the foot.
We begin by exploring foot and ankle alignment, ensuring that the ankle remains stable and does not fall behind the toes. You will work through a series of tendu and dégagé exercises that emphasize pushing through the toes and knuckles. This 'pushing' action is vital for creating a beautiful line and building the intrinsic muscle strength required for dancing en pointe.
The class also covers demi-plié movements, where the instructor provides detailed corrections on maintaining a lifted arch on the standing side while keeping the pinky toes grounded. ' By spreading the toes on the way to the demi-pointe and filling the space between the toes with the knuckles, you will achieve a more powerful and controlled movement. We also address common pitfalls, such as 'smushing' the foot when moving off the floor, and emphasize engaging the back quad to prevent the knee from bending prematurely.
By the end of this Broche Ballet session, you will have a deeper understanding of how to engage your feet correctly. We conclude with a gentle calf stretch and specific releases for the back of the foot to ensure recovery and flexibility. Developing these habits early is the best way to ensure a safe and successful transition to dancing en pointe.
