What You'll Learn
- Techniques for finding and sustaining a strong three-quarter pointe position.
- How to use your toes to push into the floor for a higher, more stable relevé.
- Alignment secrets to keep your weight centered and your kneecaps lifted.
- Specific pre-pointe exercises that build the necessary strength for transitioning to pointe shoes.
About This Video
Achieving a beautiful, high relevé is a hallmark of strong ballet technique, but it requires more than just ankle flexibility. It requires specific strength in the toes and the intrinsic muscles of the feet. This Standing Pre-pointe flow from Broche Ballet is designed to help you find your three-quarter pointe—that crucial sweet spot between a low demi-pointe and being fully en pointe.
By mastering this position, you build the structural integrity needed for advanced footwork and the eventual transition into pointe shoes. During this class, we focus heavily on alignment and engagement. You will learn how to lift the kneecap toward the hip, creating a long, supported line that prevents sinking into the joints.
One of the most common mistakes in pre-pointe work is smushing the toes or letting the weight collapse forward. Instead, our instructor guides you through exercises that teach you to use the toes to push down into the floor, using that resistance to lift the arch and stabilize the ankle. We explore movements in both parallel and turned-out positions, incorporating the demi-plié to test your control and balance.
This flow is not just about the feet; it is about the whole body. You will be encouraged to engage your core and maintain a straight line from your head to your heels, ensuring that every relevé is supported by a strong center. Whether you are a beginner looking to understand basic foot mechanics or an intermediate student preparing for your first pair of pointe shoes, these exercises provide the foundation for a more graceful and powerful dance practice.
Join Broche Ballet as we refine your technique, one toe-push at a time, to reach new heights in your ballet journey and prepare your feet for the rigors of pointe work.