What You'll Learn
- How to articulate the foot by prying it off the floor using specific toe strength
- Techniques for maintaining a high demi-pointe and engaged glutes during movement
- The importance of the first three toes in stabilizing the foot during a relevé
- Dynamic plié relevé exercises to improve power and control in your jumps and transitions
About This Video
Building a strong foundation in ballet starts from the floor up. In this 8-minute pre-pointe class from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of foot articulation and toe strength. Whether you are preparing for en pointe work or simply want to improve your stability and power in flat shoes, mastering the way your foot leaves the ground is essential for every dancer. This class focuses on the intentional movement required to develop the intrinsic muscles of the feet.
The core of this lesson is the "peeling" action. Instead of simply lifting the foot, you will learn to use your toes to push down into the floor, prying the ball of the foot upward. We begin at the barre (or using a sturdy chair for support) to practice moving through a deep demi-pointe, emphasizing the height of the heel and the engagement of the glutes. By focusing on the big toe, second toe, and third toe, you create a solid base that allows for a more articulate tendu and a more secure relevé.
As the session progresses, we integrate demi-plié to find the necessary "spring" in the foot. You will learn to maintain a high arch while rolling through every part of the toe to the highest demi-pointe possible. This level of detail ensures that your feet aren't just moving, but are actively working against the floor to create resistance. We conclude with balance holds and dynamic plié relevé exercises designed to help you "explode" off the floor with control and grace. These exercises are vital for developing the calf strength and toe dexterity needed for advanced ballet repertoire.
