This exercise is designed to refine the dancers ability to move swiftly and with control while en pointe, focusing on the precision required for pirouette positions. This exercise challenges students to maintain balance, coordination, and strength, essential for executing pointe work with finesse and accuracy. It is an advanced sequence that emphasises the importance of a controlled ascent and descent on pointe, aiming to perfect the pirouette position.

Preparation: Prepare students with a long resistance band at the ballet barre, ensuring it is correctly placed over the thighs to provide the necessary resistance without limiting movement.

Steps:

1. Start with students facing the barre, hands placed wide on the barre over the band, right foot devant, and executing a fondu into cou-de-pied derrière.

2. Instruct students to step up onto pointe sharply with the front foot, moving into the pirouette position, then lower back into cou-de-pied derrière, repeating this sequence twice.

3. Guide students through a coupé fouetté raccourci, focusing on the fluidity and precision of the movement.

4. Have students repeat the sequence on the alternate side, ensuring balanced practice and development.

5. Cue students to incorporate a single sharp rise to pointe in the pirouette position, followed by a lowering into cou-de-pied derrière on both sides.

6. Challenge students with 2 coupé fouetté raccourci followed by couru passé, emphasising the quick, controlled movements.

7. Encourage students to commence the sequence again, this time starting with the left foot devant, to ensure even training on both sides.

Focus: Emphasise the importance of maintaining correct alignment and posture throughout the exercise, particularly when transitioning to and from the pirouette position on pointe.