What You'll Learn
- How to execute a stable sous-sus with proper fifth-position alignment
- Techniques for a controlled pas de bourrée while maintaining weight placement
- Strength-building exercises for relevé and coupé to improve balance on one leg
- Strategies for building stamina and foot flexibility within your pointe shoes
- Essential cool-down stretches to maintain muscle health and prevent soreness
About This Video
Welcome to Class #3 of our comprehensive 16-week Winter 2024 Beginner Pointe program at Broche Ballet. This 52-minute session is meticulously crafted to deepen your technical foundation while building the essential stamina required for successful pointe work. As we progress through these early stages of your journey en pointe, the focus shifts toward the intricate transition from basic rises to more complex footwork and dynamic weight shifts.
In this session, we introduce the sous-sus, a vital position where the feet are drawn tightly together in fifth position on pointe. Mastering the sous-sus is critical for developing the 'zip-up' sensation through the inner thighs and core, providing the stability needed for future center work. Alongside this, we explore the mechanics of the pas de bourrée, teaching you how to maintain precision and control as you navigate steps from back, to side, to front.
This coordination is a cornerstone of classical ballet and requires careful attention to foot placement and weight transfer. Our instructor provides detailed guidance on relevé and coupé (or cou-de-pied) exercises at the barre. You will practice picking up to one foot—a challenging skill that demands immense ankle strength and core engagement to avoid wobbling or losing control.
Proper alignment is emphasized throughout the class to ensure safety and prevent injury, specifically focusing on the relationship between the hips, knees, and ankles. To round out the session, we cover essential stretches, including the unique 'funky wing stretch,' to improve flexibility and aid in recovery after a demanding session. Whether you are an adult student just starting or returning to ballet after a long break, this class offers a supportive environment to hone your skills.
Join Broche Ballet as we strengthen our feet, refine our technique, and embrace the elegance of dancing en pointe with confidence.
