What You'll Learn
- Proper technique and weight placement for piqué ballonné en pointe
- How to use arm placement and shoulder turns to control piqué soutenu
- Strategies to prevent hopping by aligning the head and feet correctly
- Engaging the glutes for maximum stability in piqué à la seconde
- Fluid transitions using combinations of balancé, pas de bourrée, and chassé
About This Video
Elevate your ballet practice with this intermediate pointe center class from Broche Ballet. Moving away from the barre is a significant milestone for any dancer, and this session provides the technical foundation needed to master complex center movements en pointe. We focus specifically on the piqué ballonné, a step that requires a delicate blend of strength, precision, and musicality.
Throughout this lesson, you will work through a series of exercises including balancés, piqué soutenu, and piqué ballonné. One of the core technical focuses is weight placement. To execute a successful piqué à la seconde, you must be positioned directly over the supporting foot.
We address common challenges, such as the "hopping" that occurs when the head and foot alignment are mismatched. By refining your alignment, you'll achieve smoother transitions and greater stability. Control in center work often comes from the upper body.
You will learn how to use your arms to manage momentum during turns. For example, pulling the arm back when moving counter-clockwise helps you stop turning precisely at the front. We also emphasize the importance of glute engagement to power your rise into piqué positions.
Feeling the muscles of the standing leg and hip engage ensures you remain stable throughout the entire movement. The class also integrates combinations of pas de bourrée and chassé to help you flow through the space with confidence. These transitions are just as important as the primary steps, as they teach you how to maintain your turnout and posture while moving across the floor.
Whether you are practicing in a studio or a home space, these exercises are designed to help you build the necessary strength to perform en pointe without the support of the barre. Join us at Broche Ballet as we break down these intermediate steps, helping you find your center and improve your artistic expression through disciplined technique.
