Seated Pre-Pointe Exercises: Foot Strengthening with a Pilates Ball

Building a strong foundation is the most critical step for any dancer dreaming of dancing en pointe. In this specialized 16-minute session from Broche Ballet, we dive into essential pre-pre-pointe training. While many dancers focus on large muscle groups like the quadriceps or calves, the tiny intrinsic muscles of the feet often go ignored.

This class changes that by utilizing a Pilates ball for gentle yet effective resistance training. Working in a seated position allows you to remove the pressure of gravity and weight-bearing, which is essential for isolating the small movements of the toes and arch. You will learn how to articulate through the foot, moving from a flexed position to a full tendu and eventually simulating the feeling of being en pointe through resistance.

We focus heavily on the brain-body connection, helping you regain the control over your toes that we often lose as we transition into adulthood. Whether you are an absolute beginner or an intermediate student preparing for your first pair of pointe shoes, these exercises are vital. We will address common issues like scrunching or clawing the toes and instead encourage a long, reaching line through the tips of the feet.

By the end of this practice, you will have a deeper awareness of how your feet function within your ballet technique, leading to more stable relevés and more beautiful lines in your daily barre work. Incorporating these exercises into your regular routine will provide the stability and strength needed for the physical demands of classical ballet. Join us at Broche Ballet to start building your strongest foundation from the floor up and experience the difference that focused foot articulation can make in your dancing.