Intermediate Ballet Pointe Center: Mastering Piqués and Adagio

Take your pointe work to the next level with this intermediate center practice from Broche Ballet. In this session, we move away from the barre to focus on the strength, balance, and precision required for center floor work. This 11-minute class is designed for dancers who have a solid foundation en pointe and are ready to refine their weight transfers and artistic expression.

The lesson begins with a focus on piqué movements. You will learn how to initiate the movement from a clean plié, ensuring the working foot remains in precise contact with the floor before the ascent. A key highlight of this tutorial is the emphasis on the snap of the knee joint.

By mastering the timing of bending and quickly straightening the knee, you will achieve the necessary power for sharp, efficient weight transfers. This technical detail is essential for the speed required in more advanced combinations. Moving into the adagio section, the class explores the marriage of strength and grace.

We work through tendu and fondu sequences, transitioning into piqués and pas de bourrée. The instructor introduces the concept of a straight tone in movement—maintaining a steady, unwavering line—and how to tastefully add vibrato at the end of a phrase. This artistic nuance allows you to finish your movements with emotion and a subtle, controlled shake that adds a professional flair to your performance.

Throughout the video, you will also practice développé transitions, focusing on keeping the working foot connected to the floor and using the supporting leg to drive momentum. Whether you are working on your placement or looking to add more character to your artistry, this practice offers the technical cues and encouragement needed to feel confident en pointe.