This exercise is designed to transition students to more advanced pointe work, focusing on developing stability and strength when performing a relevé on one leg for the first time. This exercise requires the dancer to engage the intrinsic foot muscles comprehensively, ensuring a stable foot and ankle. These movements are a critical step in pointe training that build upon previous development, emphasising the importance of control, alignment, and muscle coordination.

Preparation: Equip students with a long resistance band to enhance thigh engagement. Ensure correct placement and wrapping of the band to support leg alignment without restricting movement.

Steps:

1. Have students begin facing the barre in fifth position, ensuring posture is upright and engaged.

2. Cue the fondu (plié) and lift the right foot into a coupé position, focusing on maintaining balance and stability.

3. Instruct the posé de côté, placing the working foot on the back of the knee, and then relevé, emphasising the smooth transition through the pointe shoe into a fondu (plié).

4. Have students repeat the sequence three times on alternate sides, ensuring equal practice and development of both legs.

5. Have students incorporate courus (bourrée), guiding students on quick, controlled footwork.

6. Students conclude with a controlled lowering through the metatarsals, reinforcing the importance of controlled movement and strength in the feet.

Focus: Stress the significance of maintaining correct posture and leg alignment throughout the exercise to support effective execution and prevent injury.