What You'll Learn
- How to master the specific placement of the big toe and pinky toe to prevent a sickle.
- Techniques for maintaining consistent foot alignment during transitions between tendu and passé.
- The mechanical connection between the grand plié and the passé position.
- How to use ankle circles as a tool to find the correct foot shape when feeling misaligned.
- Refining the line of the leg in an arabesque through active foot engagement.
About This Video
Elevate your practice with this Broche Ballet Deep Dive technique session, designed for those who appreciate a slow and meditative approach to training. In this follow-along barre, we shift our focus away from complex choreography to concentrate on the intricate mechanics of the foot and its role in creating a beautiful, professional line. One of the most common technical challenges for dancers is maintaining a strong, unsickled foot shape throughout a variety of movements.
This class provides the necessary space to slow down and truly feel the engagement required for proper alignment. We begin with the fundamental principles of foot shape, specifically targeting the relationship between the big toe and the pinky toe. By keeping the big toe down and the pinky toe lifted, you create a stable and aesthetically pleasing line that carries through every movement from a simple *tendu* to a high *arabesque*.
Our instructor guides you through exercises designed to highlight these nuances, using ankle circles as a diagnostic tool to help you find that 'sweet spot' of placement. A unique aspect of this class is exploring the mechanical connection between the *grand plié* and the *passé*. You will discover how the foot shape in a deep bend mirrors the shape needed when the foot is *retiré* at the knee.
During the *plié* sequences, specifically the *demi-plié* and *grand plié*, we emphasize grounding the feet to create the lift required for higher extensions. By focusing on these details, you prevent common pitfalls like sickling or rolling the arches. Whether you are working on your *coupé* or extending into a long *arabesque*, these principles of foot engagement are universal.
At Broche Ballet, we believe that detailed training is the key to longevity and artistry. This class is perfect for dancers who want to bridge the gap between simply knowing the steps and truly feeling the technique in their body, ensuring every *en dehors* or *en dedans* movement is executed with precision.
