What You'll Learn
- How to properly engage the arches and toes to achieve a stable three-quarter pointe
- Techniques for peeling and rolling through the foot to improve articulation
- Dynamic calf stretches using various angles to increase ankle flexibility
- The importance of toe spreading and pushing to maintain balance during relevé
About This Video
In this Broche Ballet session, we dive deep into foot and ankle mechanics. Strengthening the feet is vital for any dancer, especially those preparing for the transition to dancing en pointe. This 12-minute practice focuses on achieving a higher demi-pointe through a series of intentional stretches and strengthening movements.
The class begins with a focus on articulation. You will learn to peel the foot off the floor and roll through the metatarsals, ensuring every muscle is activated. We practice the three-quarter pointe position, which requires significant strength in the arches.
By mastering this height, you build the necessary stability for more advanced turns and balances. Throughout the exercises, including plié and tendu, the instructor emphasizes the importance of toe placement. Instead of crunching the toes, you will learn to spread them and push against the floor.
This push creates the resistance needed to lift the heels higher and align the weight over the center of the foot. We also incorporate relevé sequences that challenge your balance and force you to engage your core for stability. Flexibility is the partner to strength.
We spend time on calf stretches, exploring different angles to ensure the Achilles and gastrocnemius muscles are long and supple. You will learn how to shift your weight and lift your toes to deepen these stretches effectively. Proper foot alignment is not just about aesthetics; it is essential for injury prevention and efficient movement.
By the end of this Broche Ballet class, you will have a toolkit of exercises to improve your footwork and demi-pointe height. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your technique, these drills provide the foundation for powerful, graceful movement. Join us as we work from the ground up to improve your ballet technique.
