What You'll Learn
- The 'dart' analogy for executing sharp, quick sous-sus and directional changes.
- How to use heel pressure in tombé and pas de bourrée to generate power for piqué steps.
- Proper alignment and 'back of body' connection for stable coupé and passé movements.
- Techniques for shaping the arch and building trust in your piqué foot during turns.
About This Video
Refining your technique en pointe requires a blend of explosive power and delicate precision. In this 'Pointe Basics' session at Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of the piqué turn and the essential sous-sus. Whether you are a beginner looking to stabilize your foundation or an intermediate dancer aiming for faster footwork, this 27-minute barre class provides the tools you need to succeed.
The lesson begins with a deliberate warm-up, specifically designed to wake up the small muscles of the feet and ankles. We then transition into specialized exercises focusing on the sous-sus. The instructor introduces a vital 'dart' analogy—thinking of the foot as a sharp, quick instrument that can 'fire' into position and change direction instantly.
By mastering this 'dart-like' quality in your sous-sus, you will find that your transitions between movements become significantly more fluid, crisp, and controlled. A major focus of this class is the technical breakdown of the piqué turn. We explore the importance of the tombé and pas de bourrée as the foundation for your momentum.
You will learn why pushing through the floor with your heel during the tombé is the absolute secret to a successful, stable step up onto the platform of your shoe. We also address common alignment issues in coupé and passé movements, emphasizing the need for a strong connection behind the body and an active turnout to maintain a centered vertical line. Throughout the barre exercises, you will be encouraged to develop a sense of trust in your pointe shoes.
Learning how to properly shape the arch during a piqué and maintaining a 'knitted' connection between the legs allows for the precision required in faster, turning versions of these steps. Join us at the barre to build the confidence and technical prowess necessary to elevate your dancing.
