This exercise is meticulously designed to enhance stability and strength when dancing sur la pointe. This exercise focuses on the precision required to maintain balance on the small base provided by pointe shoes, emphasising the need to lift from the ankle and avoid pronation. It is a vital component in progressing in ballet training, ensuring dancers can execute movements with grace and control while on pointe.

Preparation: Equip your students with a long resistance band and position them at the ballet barre. Ensure the band is correctly placed over the thighs en dehors, promoting engagement of the leg muscles without restricting movement.

Steps:

1. Instruct students to begin in fifth position sur la pointe, with the resistance band placed under their hands on the barre for additional stability.

2. Guide students to release the right leg in devant while maintaining the correct placement of the supporting ankle and distributing their weight properly.

3. Cue a low rond de jambe en dehors, closing back into fifth position en pointe, focusing on the smooth execution and transition between movements.

4. Have students repeat the sequence with the left leg, ensuring equal practice and development on both sides.

5. They repeat the sequence en dedans.

6. Encourage a final repetition of the sequence en dehors and en dedan, emphasising the continuous lift out of the ankle and the importance of not pronating.

Focus: Highlight the significance of maintaining a lifted and stable ankle throughout the exercise to support effective pointe work and prevent injury.