What You'll Learn
- Proper alignment and knee tracking during repeated relevés
- How to transition smoothly from two-leg to single-leg balances
- Incorporating port de bras and coup de pied for artistic coordination
- Developing ankle strength and endurance in an efficient time frame
About This Video
Finding time for a full ballet class can be challenging, but building strength doesn't always require an hour-long session. At Broche Ballet, we believe in the power of consistency and precision, even in short bursts. This 'Fast 5' class focuses on one of the most fundamental movements in a dancer's vocabulary: the relevé.
In just two minutes, you will perform a sequence of 24 relevés designed to challenge your endurance, improve your ankle stability, and refine your overall technique. We begin in first position, emphasizing the importance of a controlled plié to power the ascent. As you rise onto the balls of your feet, the focus shifts to alignment and muscle engagement.
One of the most common corrections provided in this session is ensuring the knee presses back, maintaining proper turnout and stability throughout the movement. The exercise is versatile, catering to different skill levels and goals. You can choose to remain on two legs for the duration to focus on symmetry and balance, or you can elevate the challenge by transitioning to one leg.
For those looking for an extra test of their coordination, the instructor incorporates a coup de pied on each leg and even elements of petite de l'épée. These variations not only build calf and ankle strength but also improve your proprioception and core control. To finish the sequence gracefully, we focus on a controlled port de bras.
Holding the final position before a soft descent teaches the body to find stillness amidst the effort. Whether you are using this as a quick warm-up before a longer rehearsal or as a standalone strength drill during a busy day, these 24 relevés will help you build the functional foundation needed for more advanced movements like pirouettes and allegro work. Join us at Broche Ballet to keep your training on track, no matter how much time you have in your schedule.
