Seated Pre-pointe Ballet Class: Achieve a Beautiful Winged Cou de Pied

Building a strong foundation for ballet starts from the floor up. In this 13-minute seated pre-pointe session with Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of the foot and ankle to help you achieve that coveted 'winged' look in your coup de pied devant. Many dancers struggle with sickling—the inward collapsing of the foot—which not only breaks the classical line but can also lead to injury. This class provides the specific anatomical cues needed to rotate the leg correctly and lift the heel to initiate movement.

Throughout the practice, we focus on movement and rotation, particularly how the coup de pied and attitude positions originate from a deep rotation of the leg. You will learn how to twist the foot and lift it while keeping the heel forward and the knee back, ensuring your turnout is maintained from the hip down to the toes. We also explore exercises in first position, practicing the transition from flex to pointe. A key technique introduced here is the subtle lift of the heels off the floor while keeping the toes grounded, a drill designed to strengthen the demi-pointe and prepare the ankles for the rigors of pointe work.

By practicing these movements seated, you remove the challenge of balance, allowing you to focus entirely on the precision of your footwork. We cover the wrapped coup de pied (coup de pied enveloppé) and how to maintain a consistent 'spiral' through the heel. Whether you are preparing for your first pair of pointe shoes or are an adult dancer looking to refine your technique and sous-sus, these exercises will help you develop the muscle memory required for professional-level ballet lines.