What You'll Learn
- Techniques for safe head and neck alignment during center work transitions
- How to execute piqués with high hip placement for clean pointe work
- Mastering transitions between sous-sus and le cou-de-pied positions
- Strategies for carrying momentum through a pas de bourrée and chassé
- Vertical alignment and body centering for improved balance on flat and demi-pointe
About This Video
Transitioning from the barre to the center is one of the most exciting yet challenging milestones for any dancer. This session from Broche Ballet focuses on building the confidence and technical precision required to dance en pointe without the support of the barre. Throughout this 17-minute practice, we explore the mechanics of vertical alignment, weight distribution, and the mental focus needed for advanced movements.
A core theme of this class is the safety and efficiency of the body’s command center. We prioritize protecting the head, a concept that ensures your cervical spine and head placement remain stable during dynamic shifts. By using the flashlight under the chin analogy, you will learn how to find your focus point, which naturally guides the rest of your alignment.
This prevents the common mistake of looking down at the feet, which can disrupt your center of gravity and balance. When performing piqués, the instructor emphasizes the high hip technique. This is crucial for pointe work, as it creates the vertical space necessary for the pointe shoe to move under the body without dragging or snagging.
We break down the work of the front leg, showing you how to lead with the hip and thigh to achieve a light, buoyant piqué. The class also covers transitions between positions such as sous-sus and le cou-de-pied. For dancers not yet en pointe, these exercises are perfectly adaptable for demi-pointe.
We focus on the importance of verticality and staying centered over the standing leg during a pas de bourrée or a chassé. The session concludes with a routine that links these movements, teaching you how to carry momentum gracefully across the floor. By the end of this Broche Ballet practice, you will have a better understanding of how to prepare both your mind and body for the rigors of center work.
Whether you are mastering your first relevé en pointe or refining your footwork, these technical foundations will provide the stability and poise you need for a beautiful performance.
