What You'll Learn
- Master the alignment of the hip over the heel during fondu and rond de jambe
- How to maintain continuous turnout throughout the full range of an arabesque
- The mechanics of the enveloppé, focusing on femur bone and knee placement
- Techniques to lift out of the standing leg to improve balance and stamina
- Strategies for managing the transition into back écarté without losing alignment
About This Video
Welcome to a focused technical session at Broche Ballet, designed for the dancer who craves precision and a meditative approach to training. This Deep Dive Technique class focuses on two critical components of classical dance: building stamina and maintaining active turnout while balancing on a single leg. Throughout this 15-minute tutorial, we utilize a two-handed barre approach, allowing you to square your shoulders and hips completely.
This stable foundation is essential for isolating the movements of the working leg without compromising your posture or alignment. We begin with a thorough exploration of the fondu and rond de jambe. The instructor emphasizes the importance of opening the knees so that the hip remains stacked directly over the heel.
This alignment is vital for protecting the joints and ensuring that the plié is functional and deep. As we transition into rond de jambe movements, the focus shifts to lifting out of the standing leg. By avoiding the common pitfall of sinking into the hip, you create the space necessary for the working leg to move fluidly through the various positions.
A significant portion of this lesson is dedicated to the mechanics of the arabesque and the enveloppé. You will learn how to maintain turnout even as the leg reaches its peak height. The instructor provides specific cues regarding the femur bone and knee placement, helping you visualize how the leg rotates within the hip socket.
We address the awkward transition in back écarté and provide strategies for keeping the heel oriented correctly—aiming it toward the side of the room rather than letting it drop toward the floor. This class is perfect for dancers looking to slow down and analyze the why behind their movements. By focusing on the relationship between the knee and the heel during enveloppé and ensuring the leg stays turned out through the full range of an arabesque, you will build the specialized strength required for professional-level execution.
