What You'll Learn
- The fundamental mechanics of the piqué turn from preparation to finish.
- Effective spotting techniques to maintain balance and prevent dizziness.
- How to use the 'elbow past the chin' cue to coordinate head and arm movement.
- Developing controlled momentum through proper demi-plié and weight transfer.
- Practical drills to separate body rotation from head movement for cleaner turns.
About This Video
Welcome to the final installment of our Absolute Beginner Ballet Center series at Broche Ballet. In this 22-minute class, we dive deep into one of the most exciting and essential movements in center work: the piqué turn. This lesson is specifically designed to demystify the mechanics of turning, helping new dancers overcome the common challenges of balance, momentum, and dizziness. The session begins with foundational exercises in second position, gradually progressing to demi-plié turns to establish a solid base before moving into the full rotation of the piqué turn.
Central to this lesson is the art of spotting. Our instructor emphasizes the 'elbow past the chin' technique—a unique cue that helps dancers understand how to keep their focus forward while the body begins its rotation. You will learn how to maintain a still head to anchor your balance, only allowing it to 'flip' at the very last moment to complete the turn. This separation of head and body movement is the key to executing turns with precision and grace. By practicing in both parallel and first positions, you will develop a physical intuition for how the arms and head coordinate to create smooth, controlled momentum.
Throughout the class, we focus on correct body positioning and alignment. You will explore how to use a demi-plié to power your movement and how to step onto a straight, strong leg to initiate the piqué action. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a clear understanding of the 'feeling' of a successful turn—where the arm leads and the head follows with a crisp spot. Whether you are taking your very first steps in a dance studio or looking to refine your turning technique, this Broche Ballet class provides the professional guidance and technical breakdown you need to feel confident on the dance floor.
