Stretching and Strengthening Your Feet to Get Over the Box en Pointe

Mastering the art of dancing en pointe requires more than just strong legs; it demands exceptional foot flexibility and precision. One of the most common challenges dancers face is the ability to get fully over the box of their pointe shoes. At Broche Ballet, we understand that this isn't just about forcing the stretch, but about understanding the mechanics of your feet.

This 10-minute targeted class focuses on specific stretching and strengthening exercises designed to help you find your center over the platform. The lesson dives deep into the concept of winging—the subtle rotation and engagement of the outer foot muscles. By learning to rotate the heel forward and engage the wing, you can achieve a more aesthetic line and greater stability.

Throughout the session, you will explore positions like the susu, experimenting with how shifting your weight toward the big toe corner of the box can transform your balance. These subtle adjustments are the key to transitioning from simply standing in your shoes to truly dancing en pointe. We will utilize foundational movements such as demi-plié and relevé to activate the muscles surrounding the ankle.

You will learn to play with your range of motion, discovering your natural tendencies and how to correct them. Whether you tend to sickle or have trouble reaching the full extent of your arch, these winging techniques provide the tools needed to improve your ankle mobility. Even if you only have a few minutes before your regular pointe class, these exercises are an excellent way to warm up and prepare your feet for the demands of center work.

By consistently practicing these rotations and stretches, you will build the strength necessary to maintain your alignment over the box, leading to safer and more confident performance. Join Julie as she guides you through these essential foot mechanics to elevate your ballet technique.