What You'll Learn
- How to execute a piqué soutenu with proper weight distribution and turn mechanics.
- Techniques for controlling and stopping momentum during center transitions.
- The mechanics of the temps lié to create fluid, connected movements.
- Strategies for maintaining balance and correct arm placement in the center floor.
- Building functional leg strength with a targeted wall seat exercise.
About This Video
Transitioning from the barre to the center is one of the most exciting and challenging phases of your dance journey. In this 23-minute practice session with Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the foundations of center work, focusing specifically on how to maintain your balance and grace without the support of the horizontal rail. Moving into the center requires a heightened awareness of your core and a deeper understanding of how your weight shifts across the floor.
A major highlight of this class is the breakdown of essential transition steps, most notably the piqué soutenu. We deconstruct this movement into manageable pieces—step, turn, and close—ensuring that you understand the mechanics of shifting your weight while maintaining a strong, vertical alignment. Developing a clean piqué soutenu is vital for connecting more complex combinations as you progress to intermediate levels.
Beyond specific steps, this lesson emphasizes the critical concept of momentum control. It is common for beginner dancers to feel slightly out of control when moving through space. Our instructor provides targeted corrections on how to stop your momentum effectively between movements, ensuring that every transition is deliberate and poised. We explore combinations that incorporate the temps lié, pivots, and the rond de jambe, teaching you how to use a deep plié to power your movements and find stability in your landings.
Upper body placement is another focus of this class. You will learn the importance of keeping your arms within your field of vision, particularly during turns and weight shifts. This placement is functional, helping you find your center of gravity and preventing the torso from twisting out of alignment. To keep the session engaging, we even include a short wall seat exercise to build the necessary leg and core strength required for sustained center work. With Broche Ballet, you'll gain the muscle memory and confidence needed to master the center floor.
