PIQUÉ TURNS

Piqué, meaning “pricked” in French, is a term used to describe a movement where a dancer shifts their weight onto demi pointe or pointe (without a relevé or elevé) while keeping the supporting leg straight. A piqué turn can technically be a turn in any position that uses this principle. It is commonly done in a passé back position (also known as retiré depending on your training), which is the step we are discussing today. This step appears often in class and choreography, and is often performed in sets of many piqué turns or with other traveling turns such as soutenu (see our previous soutenu post!). A well-known example of piqué turns appears in George Balanchine’s Serenade, where the whole corps de ballet performs many piqué turns in a circle. 

The preparation for piqué turns truly begins at the barre with passé (retiré). Passé (retiré) back is especially useful for your piqué turn technique because having the toe behind the knee and feeling a square alignment of the hips and shoulders translates directly to this step. It’s important to think of the knee opening to the side to use your full rotation. Because your whole passé (retiré) position turns, the audience can see a 360 degree view of the passé (retiré), and it is very obvious if the knee turns in. 

As you step into the piqué turn, it’s important to think of your piqué leg staying completely straight while your pointe or demi pointe touches down to the floor. Think of yourself lifting through the whole leg and your upper body, almost with the feeling that you are leaving the ground through the step. A supported and rotated piqué leg will make the rest of the elements so much easier, and it’s the foundation you need for successful piqué turns. A helpful hint is to think of the passé (retiré) arriving at the back of the knee at the exact same time your toe reaches the floor. This will help you reach your position efficiently and allow you to stay up for the whole turn. Coordination of the passé (retiré) and supporting legs is important for establishing consistent turns as well as allowing you to add in double turns and more.

The upper body along with the support and turnout of the standing leg is what will rotate your turn. There are various arm pathways and positions that are used in piqué turns, but no matter where the arms are, they will help you turn and should be supported from the back and held as the turn occurs. If your arms are in first, make sure they stay centered while you turn, and keep the elbows from dropping because this immediately takes away the ability to maintain support and lift from the back. Make sure to keep your shoulders down and don’t let them try to “help” you with the turn! 

Remember that one of the key elements to a piqué turn will always be a consistent and held position through this step. While this step uses collaborative energy from both the upper and lower body, remember that it should not seem tense. It takes a lot of work to make pique turns appear effortless, but it’s worthwhile for a step that can truly be fun, beautiful, and dynamic!

Have a wonderful Technique Thursday!