This exercise is meticulously designed to enhance the transition from demi-pointe to full pointe, emphasising the importance of a smooth roll through the foot. This exercise serves as an advanced step in pointe training, ensuring students have developed the necessary strength, alignment, and technique through years of preparation. It is crucial that students have undergone a comprehensive pointe readiness assessment by a dance physiotherapist to ensure there readiness for this level of work.

Preparation: Have students utilise a long resistance band for added thigh engagement, ensuring it is properly wrapped around the students thighs to facilitate correct muscle activation without restricting movement.

Steps:

1. Have students begin in fifth position facing the barre, with the band secured and hands resting on the barre.

2. Instruct students to execute a dégagé à la seconde in fondu, focusing on the precision and fluidity of the movement.

3. Guide students to transition into rolling through the metatarsals, moving sideways from foot to foot in fondu (plié), repeated five times to build strength and control in the feet.

4. Have students incorporate a petit pas de bourrée piqué into a demi-plié in fifth position, emphasising the lightness of the movement.

5. Have students conclude with four échappé relevé, challenging the student's ability to maintain balance and alignment through the transitions.

6. Students close by repeating the series four times in total.

Focus: Highlight the necessity of maintaining a stable and aligned posture throughout the exercise, ensuring safety and effectiveness in the transition to pointe.