Winter 2024 Beginner Pointe Class #6: Stamina and Refinement Checkpoint

Welcome to Class #6 of the Broche Ballet Winter 2024 Beginner Pointe series. As we reach this critical checkpoint in the 16-week program, the focus shifts toward building the necessary stamina and technical precision required to sustain longer sequences en pointe. This 59-minute session is designed to bridge the gap between initial foot placement and fluid, professional movement, ensuring that every dancer develops a solid foundation of strength and alignment.

' This fundamental exercise is essential for developing the 'push' required for more advanced movements. You will practice keeping your heels together and maintaining a vertical alignment through the hips and core, preventing common mistakes like sickling or sinking into the shoes. The instructor provides meticulous feedback on weight distribution, ensuring that your weight remains centered over the platform of the pointe shoe.

' Moving along the barre, you will learn to execute rapid, controlled steps that require constant engagement of the inner thighs. The class covers transitions such as stepping past 'su-su' and returning to a tight fifth position, which is vital for building the ankle stability needed for 'petit allegro' and center work. As you progress through the 'pas de bourrée' and 'tendu' combinations, you will notice an increased emphasis on overcrossing and maintaining a clean classical line.

Finally, the session concludes with a series of guided foot stretches and recovery exercises. Understanding how to care for your feet after a demanding hour of 'pointe' work is just as important as the technique itself. Whether you are a student following our structured program or an intermediate dancer looking to refine your 'pointe' basics, this class offers the professional insights and rigorous training necessary to take your ballet practice to the next level.