What You'll Learn
- Correct ankle alignment to ensure stability and prevent rolling
- Exercises to strengthen the calves and toes for a higher, more secure relevé
- Techniques to increase foot flexibility without straining the Achilles tendon
- Modifications for common issues like bunions and sensitive arches
- How to maintain a soft ankle while maximizing the stretch through the arch
About This Video
Elevate your ballet technique with this specialized 15-minute pre-pointe conditioning session from Broche Ballet. Designed for dancers who want to improve their foot articulation and ankle stability, this class focuses on the essential mechanics required for a high, secure demi-pointe. Whether you are preparing for your first pair of pointe shoes or looking to refine your classical line, these exercises provide the foundation necessary for advanced footwork.
Throughout this practice, our instructor guides you through a series of intentional movements including deep pliés and controlled relevés. We place a significant emphasis on proper alignment, specifically ensuring that the weight of the foot stays centered over the second toe to avoid rolling or 'sickling.' By maintaining this alignment, you protect the joints and develop the correct muscular habits needed for dancing en pointe. We also explore the relationship between the calf muscles and the toes, teaching you how to utilize both to achieve maximum height in your relevé.
Beyond basic strength, this class addresses the nuances of foot health and flexibility. We discuss how to manage common issues such as bunion discomfort and Achilles tendonitis by offering modifications and soft-tissue release techniques. You will learn how to keep the back of the ankle soft while stretching under the arch and toes, a key component to increasing your active range of motion. By the end of this session, you will have a deeper understanding of your own foot anatomy and a clear path toward stronger, more expressive feet. Join Broche Ballet and take the next step in your dance journey by building a more resilient and capable foundation from the floor up.
