What You'll Learn
- How to connect basic steps like tombé and dégagé into fluid, artistic sequences.
- Techniques for maintaining proper alignment and turnout during complex relevé combinations.
- The mechanical differences between a tombé and a dégagé for better weight distribution.
- Strategies for managing foot fatigue and maintaining control during an extended adagio.
About This Video
Welcome back to the Broche Ballet Winter 2024 Beginner Pointe series. In this fourteenth installment, we transition from isolated technical exercises at the barre to the artistry of putting together complex combinations. As you progress through your pointe journey, the ability to link movements seamlessly is crucial for building the strength and coordination required for center work.
This 59-minute class begins with essential warm-ups, including plié en pointe and stretching to prepare the ankles and feet for the work ahead. We then move into detailed work focusing on the mechanics of the relevé and dégagé. A major focus of this session is the distinction between a tombé and a dégagé, ensuring that your weight placement remains precise as you move through space.
We will also explore the intricate footwork involved in coupé and piqué movements, emphasizing the importance of keeping the working foot fully pointed and the supporting leg strong and straight. As we progress, we will begin mixing and matching these steps. You will learn how to transition smoothly from a tombé into a pas de bourrée or a sous-sus, maintaining your turnout and alignment throughout.
These combinations are designed to challenge your stability and help you manage fatigue, a common hurdle for those new to dancing en pointe. We provide specific tips on when to take breaks and how to stretch effectively to keep your feet healthy. The class concludes with a beautiful adagio section.
This portion of the lesson focuses on slow, controlled movements that test your balance and core engagement. By practicing these sequences, you develop the balletic line that is synonymous with professional pointe work. Whether you are practicing in your home studio or a classroom, this session provides the repetitions necessary to master these foundational techniques.
Remember, progress en pointe is a marathon, not a sprint. Join us as we refine your technique and build the confidence to dance beautifully en pointe.
