What You'll Learn
- Proper TheraBand placement to maximize resistance and safety during footwork.
- Techniques to push through the knuckles for deeper foot articulation and strength.
- Exercises to improve winging strength while avoiding the common sickle mistake.
- Toe fanning and isometric hold methods to enhance dexterity in demi-pointe.
About This Video
Preparing for en pointe work is a journey that requires dedication, precision, and foundational strength. In this 17-minute pre-pointe class from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of the foot and ankle using a TheraBand and a small ball. Whether you are a beginner looking to understand your alignment or an intermediate dancer seeking to refine your technique, these exercises are designed to build the specific muscle groups needed for the demands of ballet.
We begin with a focus on the classic pointe and flex. Using a TheraBand correctly is essential; the instructor demonstrates how to secure the band around the top of the foot to ensure it stays in place as you articulate through the movement. Instead of just using the tips of the toes, you will learn to push through the knuckles, engaging the entire foot.
This detailed focus helps prevent common mistakes and ensures you are building functional strength for demi-pointe and eventually full pointe work. A major highlight of this session is the winging exercise. Understanding the difference between a sickle and a wing is crucial for aesthetic line and injury prevention.
You will practice isolating the lateral muscles of the ankle to create a beautiful, stable wing without moving the rest of your leg. By maintaining a straight alignment and avoiding sickling, you protect your joints and develop the control necessary for advanced ballet positions. The class also covers toe fanning and isometric holds.
Holding a stretched foot for a full minute helps condition the arch and the port de bras of the foot. Throughout the session, Broche Ballet emphasizes the importance of proper toe placement and ankle stability. By the end of this workout, you will have a clear set of tools to improve your foot articulation and prepare your body for the rigors of dancing en pointe.
