What You'll Learn
- How to execute stable tombé pas de bourrée transitions while en pointe.
- The difference between functional and decorative port de bras in center combinations.
- Techniques for maintaining balance in sous-sus and piqué movements without barre support.
- Fluid transitions using soutenu, relevé passé, and coup de pied.
About This Video
Moving your pointe practice to the center of the room is one of the most exciting yet challenging stages of ballet training. In this 14-minute instructional video from Broche Ballet, we explore the transition of venturing off the barre to develop the strength, balance, and confidence required for center combinations en pointe. This session focuses on fundamental movements that form the building blocks of classical choreography, ensuring you feel secure without the physical support of the barre.
You will begin by refining your balancé, focusing on the shifting weight and rhythmic precision necessary to remain stable while en pointe. From there, the class moves into tombé pas de bourrée sequences, a critical transition step that requires a deep plié and a sharp rise to the tips of the shoes. One of the core highlights of this lesson is the exploration of sous-sus movements combined with various port de bras.
Our instructor breaks down the difference between functional arms—those that assist in finding your vertical axis and lifting into the position—and decorative arms that add artistic flair once stability is achieved. Learning to coordinate the upper body without losing the alignment of the legs is essential for any dancer looking to perform center work with grace. Throughout the practice, you will also work on piqué movements and soutenu turns, learning how to trust your front leg and wheel into positions with control.
The instructor provides multiple options for transitions, including relevé passé and échappé, allowing you to tailor the difficulty to your current level. By the end of this class, you will have a better understanding of how to maintain poise while navigating the floor, ensuring your center work is as secure as your work at the barre. Whether you are preparing for a variation or simply strengthening your technique, these combinations will help you achieve a higher level of artistry and technical proficiency in your pointe work.