What You'll Learn
- Master the mechanics of lead-with-the-knee transitions in arabesque and enveloppé.
- Develop consistent lower back control and core engagement during leg extensions.
- Refine turnout by focusing on 'heel under' positioning à la seconde.
- Improve posture using specific cues for wide shoulders, forward elbows, and high alignment.
About This Video
Welcome to a transformative session with Broche Ballet, where we slow down to speed up your technical progress. This 'Deep Dive Follow-Along' is a 25-minute practice session designed for dancers who crave detailed, meditative, and high-repetition training. By keeping two hands on the barre, you eliminate the challenge of balance, allowing your full mental energy to focus on the nuances of placement, turnout, and muscle engagement.
The class begins with a series of tendu exercises. In ballet, the tendu is the foundation of all footwork; it establishes direction and control while preparing the spine for movement. We use these repetitions to ensure the pelvis remains neutral and the core is active.
As we transition into arabesque, the focus shifts to the intricate relationship between the lower back and the working leg. You will learn to lead with the knee while keeping the heel forward, maintaining a 'tailbone down' and 'belly button high' position to protect the lumbar spine and maximize your line. A significant portion of this lesson is dedicated to the enveloppé and movements à la seconde.
The instructor provides specific cues to help you find your turnout from the hip, emphasizing the importance of keeping the heel under and the knee open. By focusing on these essential details—like keeping your ears high, elbows forward, and shoulders wide—you build the muscle memory required for both aesthetic beauty and injury prevention. Whether you are working on your coup de pied or refining your arabesque line, this high-repetition format ensures that your body internalizes the correct mechanics.
This is an analytical approach to ballet that honors the tradition of slow, deliberate practice. Join us as we dive deep into the mechanics of turnout and alignment, one repetition at a time.
