What You'll Learn
- Proper piqué technique with focus on weight placement and stability en pointe
- Refining pas de bourrée and soutenu transitions in center combinations
- Techniques for maintaining lightness and fluidity without the support of the barre
- How to coordinate breath and port de bras to improve balance and rotation
- A festive holiday-themed révérence to celebrate your progress
About This Video
Transitioning from the safety of the barre to the middle of the room is one of the most exciting milestones in any dancer's journey, especially when dancing en pointe. In this 15-minute holiday-themed practice session, 'Venturing Off the Barre,' Broche Ballet invites you to challenge your balance and refine your technique through a series of festive center combinations. The focus of this class is on developing the strength and precision needed to execute movements like the piqué and pas de bourrée with confidence and grace.
Our instructor guides you through distinct ways to approach the piqué, ensuring your weight transfer is efficient and your alignment remains stacked over your box. You will also practice the soutenu and sous-sus, learning how to distinguish between these similar-looking turns to choose the right one for the musical context. Throughout the lesson, we emphasize the importance of keeping your movements light and airy.
When dancing en pointe, it is easy to become 'heavy' in the shoes; however, by focusing on a deep plié and a quick, sharp fondu, you can maintain the fluid, effortless aesthetic that defines classical ballet. We also delve into the nuances of the pas de bourrée, helping you master the quick footwork required for this essential transition step. Stability in the center requires more than just leg strength; it demands a strong core and an awareness of your center of gravity.
As you venture off the barre, you will learn how to use your breath to sustain longer balances and how to coordinate your port de bras to assist your rotations. To wrap up this festive session, you will learn a beautiful révérence. This final combination incorporates tendu and bourrée movements, allowing you to finish your practice with a sense of accomplishment and artistry.
Whether you are preparing for a holiday performance or simply want to strengthen your center work, this class provides the technical breakdown and encouragement you need to succeed.
