What You'll Learn
- How to manage the relationship between your ribs and pelvis for a stable turning core.
- Techniques for spiraling around the hips to generate effortless turning momentum.
- The importance of the plié as the primary foundation for successful pirouettes.
- How to release friction points in the feet to reduce braking and improve rotation.
- The role of the rond de jambe in preparing the core for dynamic turns.
About This Video
Mastering the pirouette is a significant milestone for every dancer, yet it often feels like a battle against physics. At Broche Ballet, we believe that turns are not just about the moment of rotation, but about the preparation and the intricate physics of the body. In this focused instructional class, we dive deep into two essential pirouette drills specifically designed to improve your momentum and control.
The secret to a successful turn lies in the management of your center. You will learn how to maintain the crucial relationship between your ribs and your pelvis, ensuring your spine remains open in the front and closed in the back. This structural alignment is what allows you to hold your balance as you move from a deep plié into a sharp relevé.
By holding your ribs down and forward, you create a solid, stable cylinder that is much easier to rotate than a loose or disjointed frame. We also explore the professional concept of spiraling. Instead of trying to throw yourself into a turn, you will learn how to spiral around your hips to create turning power.
This movement, often initiated through a rond de jambe preparation, builds the necessary torque without sacrificing vertical alignment. We will practice drills that transition from fourth position, focusing on how to push forward with each step to build consistent momentum. Crucially, these drills address the common mistake of 'braking' with the feet.
You will learn to release friction points, specifically the heels and the soles of the feet, to allow the floor to work with you rather than against you. Remember, a pirouette is built on the plié, not in the air. By mastering the descent and the push-off, you will find that your turns become smoother, faster, and more controlled.
Whether you are struggling with single turns or aiming for doubles, these drills provide the technical foundation needed for consistent success in center practice.
