Preparation for pointe work is a gradual process that begins with barre exercises to develop the requisite strength in ankles, feet, legs and core often known as pre-pointe classes. These exercises may vary in accordance with a teacher's preferences and if applicable, the training method's syllabus. The first exercises at the barre are usually "relevés" and "échappés". When the student is comfortable executing these steps on both feet and sufficiently strong, steps ending on one en pointe foot are introduced such as "pas de bourrée" and "retiré."