What You'll Learn
- Correct weight distribution through the big, second, and third toes in demi-pointe
- How to maintain a strong ankle shape during temps lié and rond de jambe
- Techniques for spreading toes to create a wider, more stable base for future pointe work
- Strategies for keeping the upper body still while focusing on precise footwork
About This Video
Welcome to Broche Ballet’s specialized pre-pointe training session. This 10-minute practice is meticulously designed to help dancers refine the fundamental mechanics of the foot and ankle, which are essential for long-term safety and success en pointe. The focus of this lesson is Mastering Standing Pre-Pointe technique through proper ankle shape in tendu, demi-pointe, and temps lié.
Throughout the video, your instructor guides you through a series of exercises at the barre that emphasize correct weight distribution. A common challenge for many dancers is maintaining alignment through the foot; this class addresses that by teaching you how to engage the big toe, second toe, and third toe against the floor while keeping the pinky toe lifted. This specific shape helps ensure that the ankle remains supported and prevents sickling or rolling over the foot, which is vital for building the necessary strength for pointe work.
We begin with foundational movements, exploring tendu to the front and à la seconde. As you move your foot along the floor, you will learn to transition smoothly into a demi-pointe position, focusing on spreading the toes wide to create a stable base. The lesson then progresses into more complex coordination with temps lié and rond de jambe.
Here, the challenge is to maintain that precise ankle shape while shifting weight and moving through a demi-plié. One of the key takeaways from this Broche Ballet practice is the importance of body isolation. While your feet are working hard to master complex articulatory movements, your core and upper body must remain still and supported.
By practicing these exercises on both sides, you will develop the muscle memory and turnout necessary for advanced ballet technique. Whether you are an aspiring pointe student or an experienced dancer looking to clean up your footwork, these ten minutes of focused practice will provide a significant boost to your technical foundation. Consistency is key in ballet, and repeating these ankle-shaping exercises will pave the way for a stronger, more graceful dance journey.
