What You'll Learn
- Coordinating head and eye focus with hand movements for a professional port de bras.
- Building stability and core strength during slow adagio and cambré exercises.
- Foundational mechanics of the ballet waltz, including front and back traveling patterns.
- Refining upper body carriage and back support to improve balance in the center.
About This Video
Welcome to a foundational center-floor session designed specifically for those transitioning from barre work to the middle of the room. In this 25-minute class with Broche Ballet instructor Julie, we slow down the pace to focus on the intricate details that make a dancer appear polished and confident. Center work is the ultimate test of a dancer’s balance and core stability, as the safety net of the barre is removed.
We begin with a deep dive into port de bras. Often overlooked, the movement of the arms is what carries the expression of a dancer. You will learn to move through first position and fifth position with fluid transitions, ensuring your elbows remain lifted and your triceps engaged for a strong, supported look.
A key element of this practice is learning to follow the movement of your hands with your eyes—a technique that adds dimension and 'life' to your dancing. The class also focuses on adagio, the slow and controlled movements that build incredible functional strength. We will practice cambré (leaning), focusing on how to bend from the waist without losing your center of gravity.
These exercises are essential for developing the poise required for more advanced center work. By focusing on the 'B-flex' and the stretch of the upper body, you will gain a better understanding of how your back muscles support your movements. Finally, we introduce the ballet waltz.
Moving both forward and backward, you will learn the weight transfers and rhythmic coordination needed for this classic traveling step. Whether you are practicing in a small home space or a studio, these exercises are tailored to help you find your footing. By the end of this session, you will feel more grounded, more graceful, and ready to take on the challenges of center-floor combinations.
Join us at Broche Ballet as we refine these essential skills together and build a solid foundation for your dance journey.
