What You'll Learn
- How to improve foot articulation through the resistance of the pointe shoe box and shank
- Techniques for finding your center and balance on flat while wearing pointe shoes
- The importance of ankle flexibility and stability for future en pointe work
- How to manipulate the pointe shoe to behave more like a natural foot
- How to integrate barre work into your overall ballet training routine
About This Video
Dancing en pointe is a milestone for many ballet students, but the foundation of that strength is actually built while your feet are still flat on the floor. At Broche Ballet, we emphasize the importance of the barre even when wearing your pointe shoes. You might wonder why we wear these stiff shoes if we aren't rising to the tips of our toes immediately.
The answer lies in foot articulation, sensory feedback, and the development of refined control. When you perform foundational exercises like plié and tendu in pointe shoes, you are learning to manipulate the shoe to act like an extension of your foot. Unlike soft slippers, pointe shoes provide significant resistance.
This resistance is vital for developing the intrinsic muscles of the feet and strengthening the ankles. By working at the barre, you gain the stability needed to focus specifically on how your foot moves within the box and how to roll through the shank. Another critical aspect is balance.
Standing on a single leg on flat in a pointe shoe requires different micro-adjustments than in a flat shoe. The platform and the shank's structure change how you perceive the floor. Practicing balance at the barre helps you find your vertical alignment and center of gravity before you add the complexity of a relevé.
This specific training isn't meant to replace your standard technique classes in soft shoes. Instead, it serves as a specialized supplement that bridges the gap between floor work and aerial work. It allows you to become comfortable with the weight and feel of the shoes, turning them from a restrictive tool into a functional part of your body.
Whether you are working with brand-new shoes or older "dead shoes" that have lost some of their support, the barre is where you refine your artistry and preparation.
