What You'll Learn
- Execute a classic ballet barre warmup to prepare for pointe work
- Strengthen feet and ankles through specific stamina-building pointe shoe exercises
- Master the foundational mechanics and coordination of the pas de bourrée
- Improve arch flexibility and recovery with a targeted stretching sequence
- Refine technical alignment and weight distribution while en pointe
About This Video
Welcome to the fourth session of the Winter 2024 Beginner pointe 16-week program at Broche Ballet. This comprehensive 57-minute class is specifically structured to help adult dancers build the necessary stamina and technical precision required for successful pointe work. We believe that a strong foundation is the key to longevity in ballet, and this session focuses heavily on the mechanics of the foot and ankle.
The class begins with a classic barre warmup. This segment emphasizes the importance of correct alignment and muscle engagement before we even put on our shoes. Through a series of tendu, plié, and dégagé exercises, we prepare the body for the increased demands of dancing en pointe.
By establishing this baseline in flat shoes or slippers first, you ensure that your technique remains clean as the difficulty level rises. Following the warmup, we transition into the stamina format of the class. This unique approach involves putting on your pointe shoes and engaging in a sequence of exercises designed to strengthen the arches and stabilize the ankles.
We focus on controlled relevé and weight placement to ensure you are lifting out of your shoes rather than sinking into them. This week, we introduce the foundational movements of the pas de bourrée. This essential transition step is broken down into its core components, allowing you to understand the coordination required between the legs and feet.
As we progress through the 16-week program, each class builds upon the last. In Class #4, we push for greater endurance, encouraging students to maintain their form even as fatigue sets in. To aid in recovery and improve range of motion, we conclude with a specialized stretching sequence specifically for the arches.
Our Broche Ballet instructors provide constant feedback and technical corrections, helping you refine your artistry and technique in every movement.
