What You'll Learn
- The correct technical pathway to draw the foot from coup de pied to passé.
- Strengthening techniques for the ankles and calves to improve relevé height.
- Core engagement and alignment strategies for better balance at the barre.
- How to transition weight safely during standing pre-pointe exercises.
- Essential foot and calf stretches to maintain flexibility and prevent injury.
About This Video
Welcome to your dedicated Broche Ballet practice session focused on building foundational strength through Standing Pre-pointe exercises. In this 10-minute guided class, we dive deep into the mechanics of the relevé passé, a critical movement for any dancer aspiring to en pointe work or looking to master their pirouettes. The lesson begins with essential foot warm-ups and prancing exercises to activate the metatarsals and prepare the lower legs for weight-bearing movements.
From there, we transition into traditional barre work, incorporating plié and relevé combinations. These aren't just repetitive motions; we focus intensely on alignment, ensuring that your weight is distributed correctly over the balls of your feet and that your core is fully engaged to support your verticality. A key component of this class is the fluid transition from coup de pied to passé.
You will learn how to draw the foot sharply up the leg, feeling the engagement in the hips and the rotation in the turnout. We break down the relevé through coup de pied, reaching the full passé position with control and precision. This pathway is vital for developing the muscle memory needed for clean transitions in center floor work.
As you progress through the drills, the instructor will guide you on how to test your balance by practicing letting go of the barre one hand at a time, challenging your stability and centering your weight. This builds the functional strength necessary for sustained balances and powerful take-offs. Whether you are a beginner taking your first steps toward pointe shoes or an intermediate dancer refining your technique, this practice offers the specific conditioning required for elite ballet performance.
We conclude the session with targeted stretches for the calf muscles and the tops of the feet, ensuring your muscles remain long, lean, and resilient. Join us at Broche Ballet to elevate your technique through mindful, strength-based practice.
