What You'll Learn
- Correct ankle alignment to prevent rolling and increase stability
- Techniques for controlled descent from relevé to improve balance
- Drills for toe articulation to enhance demi-pointe and foot strength
- How to identify and correct muscle imbalances in the shins and calves
About This Video
Developing strong, stable ankles is a cornerstone of safe and beautiful ballet technique. In this 18-minute class from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the world of proprioception—your body's internal sense of where your limbs are in space—and how it specifically relates to the complex movements of your feet and ankles. Whether you are an aspiring student preparing for your first pair of pointe shoes or a seasoned dancer looking to refine your balance, this session offers essential tools to elevate your practice.
We begin by focusing on fundamental alignment, ensuring that the weight is distributed evenly across the metatarsals, specifically from the big toe knuckle to the pinky toe knuckle. This foundation prevents the common pitfall of rolling the ankles in or out, which can lead to chronic injury and instability in center work. You will learn how to maintain a neutral ankle path during transitions into demi-pointe and throughout the full range of flexion and extension.
A key highlight of this class is the focus on controlled descent. Often, dancers focus solely on the rise, but the way we return to the floor is just as critical for building functional strength. By treating the act of flexing as a deliberate, resisted movement down toward the earth, you engage the soleus muscles and calves more effectively.
We also explore intricate toe articulation, teaching you how to isolate and flex the toes to improve your overall foot line and the clarity of your movements. At Broche Ballet, we believe that understanding the mechanics behind the movement is essential. We examine the relationship between the front of the shin and the back of the leg, helping you identify if one side is overcompensating.
By working both sides of the leg equally, you create a more stable sleeve of support for the ankle joint. These exercises are designed to be integrated into your daily life, making consistent improvement accessible to every dancer. Join us to build a more resilient foundation and dance with greater confidence and grace.
