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"The only dancer you should compare yourself to is the one you used to be." -Unknown
Introduction
Piqué, whether it is a straight piqué or piqué turn, is one of the most common steps in classical ballet. As such, it is important to develop proper muscle memory so that you can 1) do the piqué itself properly, and 2) properly and easily transition into the next step. Here's what you need to know:
These are the primary elements of a successful piqué that will allow you to tackle a variety of ballet (and other types of dance) choreography, from piqué across the floor, to adagio, to pas de deux. Read on for more details and great pictures and videos about piqué.
- NEVER step up to piqué with a bent knee
- Always take the piqué beyond the toe that will take your weight
- Bring all of your body with you
These are the primary elements of a successful piqué that will allow you to tackle a variety of ballet (and other types of dance) choreography, from piqué across the floor, to adagio, to pas de deux. Read on for more details and great pictures and videos about piqué.
The Difference Between Your Working and Standing Legs
N.B. For the purposes of this post, I will refer to the leg which bears your weight before you take the piqué as the standing leg, and the one that is in tendu soutenu as the working leg.
It is very common for student to bend their working leg as they move into piqué, and to keep the supporting leg straight. Unfortunately, doing this makes it very difficult to travel or move forward as you dance, and also creates a very unstable platform for your body. Whenever the leg that is holding you is bent while on relevé, your position is extremely unstable, and it forces your body to rely on the quads to hold you up. Neither of these things are beneficial to ballet dancers. The solution is to do the opposite of what is natural--bend your supporting leg in a deep plié before the piqué and step onto a straight leg, while driving the energy of that leg down into the floor. You will be much more stable, will use the correct muscles, and will be able to travel this way.
It is very common for student to bend their working leg as they move into piqué, and to keep the supporting leg straight. Unfortunately, doing this makes it very difficult to travel or move forward as you dance, and also creates a very unstable platform for your body. Whenever the leg that is holding you is bent while on relevé, your position is extremely unstable, and it forces your body to rely on the quads to hold you up. Neither of these things are beneficial to ballet dancers. The solution is to do the opposite of what is natural--bend your supporting leg in a deep plié before the piqué and step onto a straight leg, while driving the energy of that leg down into the floor. You will be much more stable, will use the correct muscles, and will be able to travel this way.
Going Into the Piqué
Actually going into the piqué requires three things: 1) pushing off the floor and onto your opposite leg, 2) traveling, and 2) bringing all of your weight (especially your "luggage," i.e. your butt) with you and in one piece. To do this, take a deep plié on the supporting leg before you move, use this plié as you would in a jump or in a pirouette. Push off the floor aggressively and step onto your other leg. Remember, the third law of motion: every action has an equal and opposite reaction. You must push off the floor if you wish to move forward at all.
In order to travel, or move your piqué in whatever direction you wish, you cannot step directly where your working foot is, relative to the ground. You must slide that foot across the floor (with help from your plié leg, of course) and step past where your foot was originally. In general, aim to step about one foot away from where you initially had your foot. As you do this, it can be very easy to move your legs and head with you, but not so easy to move the rest of your torso as well. Imagine that your body is one piece. You must move everything together, so that nothing gets left behind. You don't want to end up like the RoadRunner cartoon that would dash away, but left behind his eyebrows!
In order to travel, or move your piqué in whatever direction you wish, you cannot step directly where your working foot is, relative to the ground. You must slide that foot across the floor (with help from your plié leg, of course) and step past where your foot was originally. In general, aim to step about one foot away from where you initially had your foot. As you do this, it can be very easy to move your legs and head with you, but not so easy to move the rest of your torso as well. Imagine that your body is one piece. You must move everything together, so that nothing gets left behind. You don't want to end up like the RoadRunner cartoon that would dash away, but left behind his eyebrows!
Important Links
Article Links
Lia Cirio's Workout
Video links
Piqué Turn Demonstration
Miscellaneous Links
Ballet for Aduls
Lia Cirio's Workout
Video links
Piqué Turn Demonstration
Miscellaneous Links
Ballet for Aduls