What You'll Learn
- Techniques for achieving a higher demi-pointe and beautiful arch shape
- How to wing the foot correctly without sickling or crunching the toes
- Targeted exercises for toe articulation, circulation, and ankle stability
- Using breath and body weight to deepen foot and ankle stretches safely
About This Video
Elevate your ballet technique with this comprehensive 14-minute seated pre-pointe session from Broche Ballet. Whether you are a beginner preparing for your first pair of pointe shoes or an experienced dancer looking to refine your foot articulation, this class focuses on the intricate mechanics of the foot and ankle. Working from a seated position allows you to isolate specific muscle groups without the added pressure of gravity, making it an ideal environment for deep, focused strengthening.
Our instructor guides you through a sequence designed to increase flexibility and build the foundational strength necessary for a high demi-pointe. The class begins with a gentle warm-up before moving into detailed toe-spreading exercises that improve circulation and control. You will learn the specific technique for shaping the foot into a 'wing'—a desirable aesthetic in ballet that creates a long, elegant line—while ensuring you do not sickle or crunch your big toe.
Proper alignment is a recurring theme throughout this practice. You will be encouraged to keep the insides of your ankles touching during various stretches to maintain a neutral and safe foot position. As the session progresses, you will explore deeper stretches by rocking forward onto your knees, using your body weight to intensify the pressure on the tops of the feet and toes.
This mirrors the sensations of standing en pointe and helps condition the arches. Breathing and relaxation are essential components of this routine. The instructor emphasizes the importance of releasing tension to achieve a more profound stretch in the Achilles tendon and calf muscles.
The class concludes with a final hold, challenging you to push through the tips of your toes with the same intensity required as if you were standing on the floor. By the end of this session, your feet will feel more mobile, strong, and ready for the demands of the ballet barre and center work.
