What You'll Learn
- Techniques for stable piqué arabesque landings and balance through head alignment.
- How to maintain foot shape and strength during deep plié and fondu movements.
- Refining bourrée execution with proper body alignment and hip flexor flexibility.
- Strategies for crossing the midline to improve turn stability and landing placement.
About This Video
Take your pointe work to the next level by stepping away from the barre. In this Broche Ballet intermediate class, we focus exclusively on center exercises designed to build the strength, balance, and control necessary for professional-looking performance. The transition to the center is a significant milestone for any dancer, requiring a heightened sense of alignment and core engagement. Without the support of the barre, your technique must be precise, and your core must be your primary source of stability.
We begin by exploring the mechanics of a stable piqué arabesque. One of the most challenging aspects of this movement is the ability to lower down on one foot with grace and control. You will learn how to keep your head aligned over your supporting foot and how to use a controlled fondu to transition smoothly. We also discuss the importance of stretching the hip flexor to allow the working leg to reach behind the body without compromising the upright position of the torso. This alignment is key to maintaining your center of gravity during complex center combinations.
The lesson also dives deep into bourrée technique. Maintaining a consistent shape in the foot while moving is essential. We will practice maintaining that shape even as the ankles and knees bend through a plié, ensuring your footwork remains precise and aesthetically pleasing. Throughout these exercises, we emphasize the concept of "pushing through the floor" to find your maximum lift and stability. This downward energy is what actually allows for the upward lightness required for pointe work.
Other topics include tan lié and various relevé combinations that challenge your midline crossing. Crossing the midline is a critical component of successful turns and transitions; by focusing on this, you will find more security in your landings. Whether you are working on your chassé or refining your tendu en pointe, this class provides the technical corrections and feedback needed to elevate your dance practice.
