Mastering Piqué and Sous-sus in Beginner Pointe (Week 13)

Welcome to Week 13 of the Broche Ballet 16-week Beginner Pointe Cohort. This session marks a significant milestone in your development as we move into more dynamic movements, specifically focusing on the mechanics of the piqué and the sous-sus. As you advance in your pointe journey, the transition from foundational relevé at the barre to stepping directly onto the platform is a critical skill that requires both physical strength and mental confidence.

One of the primary focal points of this class is mastering the piqué movement. A technically sound piqué involves stepping up onto a fully lengthened, straight leg without the knee buckling. This can be intimidating for many beginners, as the body often has a natural fear response that causes the knee to bend for perceived safety.

Our instructor guides you through exercises designed to override this instinct, teaching you how to build trust in your shoes and your alignment. We emphasize the importance of power in the hips and feet, ensuring that you are lifting out of your pointe shoes rather than sinking into them. Throughout this 30-minute practice, we break down complex sequences into manageable parts.

You will work through exercises involving dégagé, pas de bourrée, and sous-sus passé. By practicing these mechanics within an adagio framework, you develop the slow-twitch muscle control and balance necessary for centered work. We also explore the 'pas de cheval' as a preparation for the piqué, helping you understand the pathway of the foot as it moves toward the platform.

This class is not just about the feet; it is about full-body integration. You will learn how to engage your turnout from the hips to stabilize your sous-sus and how to maintain a strong core to support your balance. By the end of this session, you will have the tools to execute piqué steps with greater precision, preparing you for the final weeks of our comprehensive program.