What You'll Learn
- Gentle techniques to increase range of motion in the feet and ankles.
- The importance of breath and relaxation to achieve deeper releases.
- How to safely negotiate with your body to avoid injury while gaining flexibility.
- Proper alignment for demi-pointe exercises to ensure correct technique.
- Seated hamstring stretches to support overall leg mobility and foot line.
About This Video
Unlock the full potential of your feet with this specialized Broche Ballet class dedicated to seated pre-pointe articulation. Whether you are an adult beginner just starting your journey or an experienced dancer looking to refine your technique, foot flexibility and strength are foundational to every movement. In this 16-minute focused practice, we move away from the barre and onto the floor to engage in a deep, mindful exploration of the feet, ankles, and legs.
This class is designed to help you understand the mechanics of your footwork in a low-impact environment. The class begins with a series of seated exercises designed to improve your range of motion without the pressure of weight-bearing. You will learn the art of negotiating with your body.
At Broche Ballet, we believe that stretching should never feel like a battle. Instead of forcing your muscles into positions they are not yet ready for, we utilize breath and relaxation to find a win-win situation for your anatomy. By breathing deeply into each stretch, you allow the demi-plantar fascia and the muscles around the ankle to release tension naturally, significantly reducing the risk of injury.
Key exercises in this session include stretching the tops of the feet and working through the demi-pointe position. We emphasize keeping the ankles touching to ensure proper alignment, preventing sickling or improper weight distribution. You will also work through seated hamstring stretches that complement your footwork, as leg flexibility is intrinsically linked to how well you can point and flex.
We treat the feet with the respect they deserve. As your instructor notes, our feet are unique and precious; taking a gentle, consistent approach to their care is far more effective than aggressive stretching. Throughout this practice, you will learn to point and flex with intention, focusing on articulation through every joint.
By the end of this class, you will have a better understanding of how to achieve that beautiful ballet aesthetic through patience, technique, and mindful movement.
