Intermediate Ballet Pointe: Mastering Piqué Arabesque and Center Transitions

Enhance your technical precision and confidence with this comprehensive intermediate pointe class from Broche Ballet. This session is designed for dancers who have established their foundation on pointe and are ready to tackle more complex center work and longer sequences at the barre. The class begins with an extensive barre warmup, emphasizing the plié en pointe.

This specific exercise is crucial for developing the depth of movement and ankle strength required for higher-level combinations. Throughout the barre, we focus on fundamental movements like tendu, dégagé, and temps lié, ensuring that the alignment of the hips and feet remains impeccable as we transition weight. In the center, the primary focus shifts to the piqué arabesque.

One of the biggest hurdles for intermediate dancers is the mental anticipation and fear associated with stepping directly onto a straight leg en pointe. The instructor provides invaluable tips on trusting your footwork immediately. You will learn that the longer you hesitate, the more difficult the piqué becomes.

By focusing on pushing through the pinky toe and maintaining a still, strong foot, you can achieve a stable and beautiful arabesque. Furthermore, the class breaks down the artistry of transitions. You will practice three distinct options for exiting an arabesque: rolling down while facing the corner, executing a bourrée turn, or coming down gracefully onto both legs.

These variations allow you to tailor your performance to different choreographic needs. The session concludes with a fluid combination incorporating pas de bourrée, chassé, and a traditional curtsy, helping you integrate technical skills into a polished performance. Whether you are looking to overcome a plateau in your pointe work or simply want to refine your center stability, this class offers the professional guidance needed to reach the next level.