What You'll Learn
- How to achieve and maintain greater turnout through hip release and femur alignment.
- The technical difference in placement between a tendu and a passé.
- Methods for controlling the leg when throwing and pulling it from the air.
- How to use high-repetition combinations to build muscle memory and stamina.
- Techniques for maintaining rotation while transitioning between straight and bent legs.
About This Video
Refine your technique and build a stronger foundation with this 40-minute technical all-level ballet barre. At Broche Ballet, we believe that the secret to grace lies in the details of alignment and placement. This session is specifically designed to strip away complex choreography and focus on the mechanics of movement through simple, high-repetition combinations. By focusing on quality over quantity, dancers can truly feel the engagement of the correct muscles needed for professional-level execution.
The core focus of this class is achieving and maintaining functional turnout. Many dancers struggle with tension in the hips that inhibits their range of motion. Julie guides you through exercises that emphasize releasing that tension, particularly when bending and straightening the legs. You will learn how to 'fight the fight' for your turnout, ensuring that your rotation comes from the hip socket rather than the knees or ankles. By focusing on the alignment of the femur bone and the engagement of the inner thighs, you will find a more stable and aesthetically pleasing line in every movement.
Throughout the barre, we explore essential ballet movements including plié, tendu, and passé. The high-repetition nature of these combinations allows you to concentrate on the nuances of leg placement. For instance, you will explore the subtle but vital differences in energy and positioning between a tendu and a passé. We also delve into the mechanics of throwing the leg into the air and, perhaps more importantly, pulling it back down with control and grace. Using the concepts of breath control and relaxation, you will learn to move with more fluidity and power.
As the class progresses, the tempo increases, challenging you to maintain your technical integrity even as the movements speed up. Whether you are a beginner looking to establish good habits or an experienced dancer wanting to polish your execution, this barre provides the space to work deeply into your body. By the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of how to use alignment to enhance your dance technique, leaving you feeling more centered and prepared for center work.
