What You'll Learn
- How to launch into a piqué from the standing hip for maximum stability.
- The importance of foot shaping and pinky toe placement en pointe.
- Strength-building drills using fondu lifts to prepare for center combinations.
- Techniques for maintaining core engagement during sous-sus turns and quarter-turns.
About This Video
Transitioning from the stability of the barre to the freedom of the center is one of the most exciting and challenging milestones in a dancer’s journey. In this Broche Ballet class, "Venturing Off the Barre en Pointe," we dive deep into the mechanics and mindset needed to find your balance and confidence in open space. This session is designed for the intermediate dancer who has built a solid foundation at the barre and is ready to explore movement with more autonomy.
We begin by dissecting the piqué. Often, dancers focus solely on the working leg, but the secret to a successful piqué lies in the standing side. You will learn how to launch from your standing hip rather than simply pulling yourself up.
We also focus on the fine details of foot placement, specifically ensuring the pinky toe pulls into the side of the box to create a secure, stable platform. This prevents the common mistake of "falling" onto the shoe and instead allows for a crisp, controlled ascent. The class also features a unique combination involving the fondu lift.
By practicing the fondu lift en pointe, you build the specific muscular engagement required for higher-level center work. We break down the movement into manageable steps, encouraging you to find your vertical alignment before attempting to push through to a full piqué. This methodical approach ensures that your transitions are smooth and your core remains the center of your balance.
Finally, we tackle sous-sus turns and quarter-turn exercises. These drills are essential for developing the spatial awareness and core strength needed for more complex pirouettes. By focusing on maintaining a tight fifth position and keeping the arms and legs relaxed yet active, you will find that staying off the barre becomes a natural extension of your training.
Join us at Broche Ballet as we play with balance, refine our technique, and take those first confident steps into the center.
