Beginner Pointe Class #9: Relevé Coupé and Piqué Sous-sus

Welcome to Class #9 of the Broche Ballet Winter 2024 Beginner Pointe Program. This 63-minute intensive session focuses on the critical technical transition from foundational strength-building to more complex movements en pointe. In this lesson, we dive deep into the mechanics of the relevé in coupé and introduce the foundations of piqué sous-sus.

Achieving stability en pointe requires more than just foot strength; it demands total body coordination. Throughout this class, we emphasize the importance of starting every movement with a deep, controlled plié and engaging the core muscles to maintain balance. You will receive detailed instruction on how to execute a smooth plié by ensuring your weight is distributed evenly and your feet are properly separated before the rise.

A major technical focus for this session is upper body carriage. We often see dancers lose their alignment when focusing on their feet, so we prioritize keeping the elbows down and the shoulders relaxed during movements like sous-sus and coupé relevés. This ensures that your lines remain clean and your center of gravity stays over your supporting leg.

In addition to technical drills at the barre, we explore the artistry of pointe work through a detailed révérence. You will learn the specific technique for rolling up through the feet for bourrée, integrating fondu, cambré, and allongé movements to finish your practice with grace. We also cover the proper way to perform a curtsy en pointe, ensuring you show off a clean line by bending the foot correctly in the back.

Whether you are practicing at home or in a studio, this class provides the professional feedback and corrections necessary to refine your technique. By the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of how to maintain proper placement on the ankles, avoiding common mistakes. This class is an essential step in our 16-week journey toward pointe proficiency.