Flex and Pointe
Teaching Flex & Pointe
In our Once Upon A Ballet Curriculum, flex and pointe is done during the circle warm-up in the lower levels and may be done during the initial floorwork warm-up in Ballet I. This exercise strengthens the feet, ankles, backs and abs and prepare students for tendus, degagé, and grand battement.
Here are some great images to use to get your students working correctly during flex and pointe:
Say “Hello toes!” when flexing the feet and “Goodbye toes!” when pointing the feet.
Ask your students if they can make their toes disappear (by pointing them). Then ask them if they can make them reappear (by flexing their feet).
Prop option: Allow students to wave a wand at their feet as they make their toes disappear and reappear.
When pointing, ask students if they think they could hold a penny under the arch of their feet (be sure it is the arch of the foot and not the toes so as not to encourage curling the toes). As they release the penny to flex their feet, tell them to make a wish in the wishing well.
One thing to watch out for: It can be difficult for young children to sit with their backs straight while their legs are stretched straight in front of them. For students under 5 years old, allow them to place their hands on the floor beside them to help keep their backs straight. Care should be made that the shoulders remain down and that the lower backs in particular are straight. Keeping their backs straight during this exercise will help students develop both strength and flexibility in their backs and hamstrings. For ages 5 and up, students should be asked to keep their backs straight without the use of their arms to further develop strength and flexibility in their backs, legs and abs. This will be something some students will need to work diligently on.
Happy Dancing!
Ashley Hartford
Founder + Owner, Once Upon a Ballet
Want to know more about me?
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