What You'll Learn
- The technical mechanics of executing a controlled échappé en pointe
- Proper alignment and turnout during relevé coup-de-pied and passé
- How to achieve a smooth, silent descent from pointe to plié
- Integrating sous-sus and piqué movements into beginner combinations
About This Video
Welcome back to the Winter Beginner Pointe Cohort at Broche Ballet. In Class #11 of our comprehensive 16-week intensive, we transition from foundational stability into more dynamic movements. Today’s primary focus is the échappé, a fundamental "escaping" movement that is essential for every dancer's pointe repertoire.
The échappé is a cornerstone of pointe work, requiring a delicate balance of strength, timing, and control. In this session, your instructor breaks down the mechanics of the échappé sur le pointe, ensuring you understand how to move from a closed position to an open second position and back again with grace. We emphasize the importance of a deep plié to initiate the movement and the necessary tension in the legs to maintain alignment throughout the transition.
In addition to the échappé, this 29-minute practice session covers a range of essential pointe techniques. We revisit relevé in positions like coup-de-pied and passé, focusing on how to find your center while balanced on the platform of your pointe shoes. We also integrate piqué movements and sous-sus to build the muscular endurance required for longer combinations.
One of the most challenging aspects for beginners is the descent. This class provides specific drills for coming down from an échappé smoothly, avoiding a heavy landing and instead finding a controlled roll-through of the foot. By focusing on alignment, turnout, and core engagement, you will develop the quiet and controlled feet that characterize professional pointe work.
As with all Broche Ballet classes, we prioritize safety and correct anatomical placement. This lesson includes targeted stretching and plié exercises en pointe to ensure your feet and ankles are properly prepared for the demands of the class. Whether you are following our full 16-week program or looking for a focused tutorial on échappé technique, this class offers the professional guidance you need to progress confidently.
