What You'll Learn
- Techniques to prevent sickling when closing to sur le cou-de-pied back
- Proper ankle alignment and heel placement for pointe work
- How to manage the challenge of calf muscle interference in flat fit shoes
- Strategies for pushing the toe forward to maintain a strong, clean line
About This Video
Closing back in pointe shoes can be a surprisingly tricky maneuver for many dancers, even those with significant experience. One of the most common technical hurdles is the tendency to sickle the foot when transitioning to a position behind the ankle. In this Broche Ballet Quicktip, we dive into the specific mechanics required to maintain a clean line and safe alignment while working en pointe.
The key to a successful close-back movement lies in the relationship between the toe, the heel, and the ankle. When you pick up your foot from behind, the natural instinct might be to pull the heel back, which often leads to sickling. Instead, focus on the angle of the ankle.
As you bring the foot down into a sur le cou-de-pied position, you must actively push the toe forward. This ensures that the foot remains straight and the ankle joint is properly supported by the structure of the shoe. A major factor that many dancers overlook is the physical fit of their shoes.
For those using flat fit pointe shoes, achieving a perfect close-back position can be even more challenging. The shoe's profile, combined with the presence of the calf muscle, can create interference that makes it difficult to tuck the heel where it needs to be. To compensate, you must be even more diligent about placing the heel on top rather than behind the supporting leg.
By keeping the ankle forward and the toe down, you create a secure and aesthetically pleasing line. At Broche Ballet, we believe that understanding the 'why' behind the technique helps dancers progress faster. By visualizing the path of the toe and the placement of the heel, you can train your muscles to avoid the dangerous inward collapse of the foot.
Whether you are practicing at the barre or in the center, these small adjustments in your pointe technique will lead to greater stability and a more professional finish to your movements.
