Intermediate Pointe Barre and Center: Core Engagement (Week 1)

Welcome to this comprehensive intermediate pointe class at Broche Ballet, the first installment of our two-part series dedicated to core engagement. This 42-minute session is designed for dancers who have already established a strong foundation en pointe and are looking to deepen their technical precision and stability through intentional center-driven movement. The class begins at the barre, where we focus on preparing the body for the demands of pointe work.

You will move through sequences involving plié and tendu, with a specific emphasis on finding your vertical alignment and engaging the deep muscles of the core. We incorporate cambré to find mobility in the upper body while maintaining a stable base, ensuring that every movement is supported from the center. As we transition from the barre to the center, the focus shifts to maintaining that core connection during more complex combinations.

We explore movements like tombé and pas de bourrée, emphasizing the timing and rhythm required to stay balanced en pointe. You will work on soutenu and passé, learning how to generate power from your core rather than relying solely on your legs. This feeling in the body is essential for mastering transitions and turns with confidence.

Throughout the practice, our instructor provides detailed guidance on arm and shoulder placement, reinforcing the idea that a strong upper body is vital for supporting your weight en pointe. By the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of how to use your breath and core strength to navigate an adagio or execute a clean retiré. Join us for this focused practice and take your ballet technique to the next level.