What You'll Learn
- The mechanics of the piqué soutenu, including the pivot and foot coordination.
- Proper execution of port de bras to maintain balance in the center.
- A full center combination including pas de cheval, développé, and arabesque.
- Essential techniques for keeping your turnout and alignment during jumps.
About This Video
Mastering center work is a pivotal moment in any dancer’s journey. At Broche Ballet, we understand that moving away from the stability of the barre requires a new level of focus and physical coordination. In this comprehensive Beginner Ballet Center class, we dedicate 27 minutes to refining your technical foundation, specifically targeting the mechanics of the piqué soutenu and the grace of your port de bras.
The lesson begins with an intentional focus on port de bras, or the carriage of the arms. We practice moving through first position and full port de bras to help you find balance and fluidity without the support of the barre. These arm movements are far more than decorative; they are essential for stabilizing your center and preparing you for more dynamic movements.
We discuss how to bring the arms all the way up and open in a full port de bras, ensuring your upper body remains lifted and expressive. As we progress, we explore the pas de cheval and grand rond de jambe. These exercises are designed to increase your range of motion and strengthen your turnout while balancing on one leg.
A major focus of this session is the piqué soutenu. Many beginners find the coordination of this turn challenging, so we break it down step-by-step. You will learn the importance of keeping the front foot in place while picking up only one foot to pivot, a technique that is vital for developing the control needed for more advanced turns like pirouettes.
The class concludes with a beautiful, challenging adagio combination. This sequence incorporates développé front, arabesque, and the piqué soutenu you’ve practiced throughout the hour. We also introduce a jumping session to help you find power, elevation, and lightness in your sauté movements.
Finally, we work on a dramatic finale with full port de bras to finish the combination with strength. Throughout the video, the instructor provides detailed corrections to ensure you understand the choreography and alignment needed for each step. Join Broche Ballet to gain the confidence you need to excel in the center.
