What You'll Learn
- Techniques for toe spreads to improve foot shape and control
- How to maintain proper alignment and a long line during standing relevés
- Precision in footwork through targeted tendu and demi-plié exercises
- Building ankle stability and calf endurance with a 42-relevé challenge
About This Video
Building a strong foundation for ballet starts from the ground up. In this 16-minute pre-pointe class from Broche Ballet, we focus intensely on foot articulation, strength, and shape to prepare your body for the rigors of dancing en pointe or simply to improve your overall technique. This class is unique because it combines seated exercises with standing barre work, ensuring you understand the mechanics of the foot before adding the challenge of weight-bearing movements.
We begin with a detailed toe spread series. This seated work is essential for developing the dexterity needed for stable balances and powerful jumps. By focusing on the intrinsic muscles of the feet, you will learn how to create a beautiful line in your tendu and a higher, more secure demi-pointe.
As we transition to standing exercises, the focus shifts to alignment and core engagement. You will practice fundamental ballet movements including demi-plié, tendu, and dégagé, with a specific emphasis on maintaining a long line from the crown of your head down through your heels. We also explore positions à la seconde to practice proper turnout and extension while keeping the hips level and stable.
The highlight of this session is a special 'Birthday Relevé' sequence. To celebrate a fellow student's birthday, the class performs 42 consecutive relevés. This challenge is more than just a celebration; it is a powerful way to build calf endurance and ankle stability.
Whether you are a beginner taking your first steps into the world of ballet or an experienced dancer looking to refine your footwork, these exercises provide the necessary conditioning to elevate your practice. Join our Broche Ballet community and discover how consistent attention to these small details can transform your movement quality and technical precision.
