What You'll Learn
- Mastering the 'one plié' rule for efficient and stable sous-sus transitions.
- Correcting weight placement in fourth position to prevent sickling and improve alignment.
- Developing articulation through the shoe during tombé and relevé movements.
- Improving balance and stability by managing the center of gravity and upper body posture.
- Strengthening the feet for piqué movements through disciplined pas de cheval sequences.
About This Video
Elevate your artistry and technical precision with this 29-minute specialized pointe technique class from Broche Ballet. Designed for dancers seeking to refine their foundational movements, this session dives deep into the mechanics of sous-sus, turnout, and the often-challenging weight distribution of fourth position. Whether you are working toward more consistent balances or smoother transitions, this class provides the technical corrections necessary for progress en pointe.
The lesson begins at the barre with a series of parallel and first-position warm-ups. These exercises are essential for articulating the feet through demi-pointe and onto the box, ensuring that you are fully stretching over your toes rather than sitting back in the shoe. A core focus of the session is the "one plié per sous-sus" rule. By minimizing unnecessary bounces and focusing on a single, efficient plié, you will build the stamina and explosive power required for professional-level elevation and cleaner footwork.
As the class progresses, we explore the nuances of fourth position. Many dancers struggle with sickling or improper alignment in this stance. You will learn to focus on the "wing" of the foot, ensuring your weight is placed squarely over the big toe corner. This alignment is vital for developing the strength needed for piqué movements and more advanced center work. Through exercises like pas de cheval and tendu transitions, you will reinforce the proper path of the foot while strengthening the ankle and arch.
The latter half of the class incorporates complex coordination sequences including tombé, pas de bourrée, and piqué. You will practice rolling down through the pointe shoe with control, avoiding the common mistake of dropping abruptly off the box. By maintaining engagement through the core and keeping the shoulders and elbows down during balances, you will find a more stable center of gravity. We conclude with targeted foot stretches and strength-building rises to ensure your feet remain resilient and flexible. Join us at the barre to refine your technique and build lasting strength.
