What You'll Learn
- The step-by-step mechanics of executing a proper piqué soutenu
- How to use port de bras and allongé to maintain balance during turns
- Essential alignment tips for tendu, plié, and écarté positions
- Practical techniques to manage dizziness and maintain equilibrium
- The significance and execution of a traditional ballet révérence
About This Video
Welcome to Broche Ballet, where we make the art of classical dance accessible to everyone. In this 23-minute practice session, we focus on one of the most essential skills for any developing dancer: turning. Specifically, we dive deep into the mechanics of the piqué soutenu, a foundational turn that builds the strength, coordination, and confidence needed for more complex movements like the pirouette. This class is specifically designed for adult beginners or those who are just starting to transition their practice from the barre to the center.
The class begins with a series of foundational exercises designed to warm up the body and establish proper alignment. We practice the tendu and plié, ensuring that your weight is correctly distributed and your turnout is engaged from the hips. These movements are the building blocks of every step in ballet, and mastering them is crucial before adding the element of rotation. We also explore positions like écarté and croisé, helping you find your center and understand the different facings of the room, which is vital for spatial awareness during turns.
As we move into the core of the lesson, the piqué soutenu, your instructor will guide you through the transition from a plié into a piqué—a sharp, direct step onto a straight supporting leg. You will learn how to draw the other leg into a tight fifth position while maintaining a vertical axis. Balance and stability are key, and we emphasize the correct use of port de bras and allongé to help steady your upper body and provide momentum. Throughout the class, we also address common challenges for new turners, such as managing dizziness. You will learn why a small jump after a sequence can help reset your equilibrium, allowing you to stay focused and ready for the next combination.
By the end of the session, we combine these elements into graceful sequences and ronds de jambe, practicing transitions from one side to the other while maintaining form and control. We conclude the class with a traditional révérence, or final bow, to honor the practice and celebrate your progress. Whether you are a total novice or a beginner looking to refine your technique, this class offers the professional guidance and encouragement you need to turn with confidence.
