Part I Barre Work
Pointe work needs to be taught at a slow and steady pace with a lot of "hands on" instruction. To begin, 15 minutes twice a week is sufficient and can either be included in a current ballet class or can be a separate class. It is extremely important that the students warm up carefully prior to going on pointe.
Exercise 1
Establish correct standing position utilizing core muscles and lengthening of leg and back muscles. This can be first demonstrated by lying on the floor and pushing the middle of the back flat against the floor, keeping shoulders back and relaxed onto the floor. Once students understand what muscles they need to hold that straight position have them stand up and face the barre, holding with both hands and achieve that same position.
Exercise 2
Feet in parallel 1st, facing the barre
1-4 2 demi plies
5-6 Rise through feet onto pointe
7-8 Lower through feet until heels are on the floor
Repeat 3 more times
Repeat entire exercise in classical 1st
Exercise 3
Feet in Parallel 1st, facing the barre
1 Demi plie
2 Roll through foot to demi pointe
3 Roll up onto full pointe
4 Lower heels, rolling through feet
5 Repeat 3 times
Reverse exercise
1 Roll up onto full pointe
2 Demi plie on pointe
3 Roll down through feet until heels are on the floor
4 Straighten legs
Repeat 3 more times
Exercise 4
Tendus
Face barre, feet in classical 1st
1 Tendu with R foot to 2nd pushing through the floor
2 Return to 1st in demi plie
3 Tendu with L foot to 2nd pushing through the floor
4 Return to 1st in demi plie
Repeat 3 more times
