What You'll Learn
- The technical differences between piqué soutenu and piqué passé turns.
- How to use a straight back leg and front plié to generate momentum for turns.
- Using cou-de-pied steps to manage spacing and transitions in center combinations.
- Coordinating port de bras and head positions during center sequences and reverence.
- Building complex center combinations by linking individual steps and turns.
About This Video
Moving from beginner to intermediate ballet center work is a significant milestone for any adult dancer. In this second installment of our 'Bridging the Gap' series at Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of turning, specifically focusing on the piqué turn. Mastering the transition from simple steps to rotating movements requires a strong understanding of momentum, alignment, and the specific positions of the legs.
This class is designed to help you feel confident as you begin to add more complexity to your center combinations. We begin by breaking down the momentum-generating pose essential for a successful turn. You will learn how to coordinate a straight back leg with a deep plié in the front leg to create the necessary drive for rotation.
We explore two primary variations: the piqué soutenu and the piqué passé turn. Understanding the subtle differences in foot placement and weight transfer between these two turns is key to executing them with precision. The instructor guides you through the 'quasi' pose and explains the 'opposite arm to leg' relationship that is vital for balance and coordination during the preparation phase.
In addition to the turns themselves, this class addresses the practical aspects of dancing in center. We cover how to use cou-de-pied movements to adjust your spacing between steps, ensuring you stay within your designated dance space while maintaining the flow of the combination. You will practice linking these individual elements into fluid sequences, preparing you for the more demanding choreography found in intermediate classes.
The session concludes with a traditional reverence, focusing on port de bras and head positions to finish your practice with grace and poise. Whether you are following along in real-time or reviewing specific movements via the Broche Ballet Dictionary on Demand, this class provides the technical foundation needed to level up your ballet journey.
