What You'll Learn
- Mastering a perfectly vertical rise without rocking forward or back
- Engaging the core to find a stronger, more stable sense of lift
- Executing dynamic variations including plié relevé and relevé passé
- Utilizing 'flexi ankles' to maintain control and prevent wobbling
- Improving single-leg strength and turned-out alignment
About This Video
Welcome to the Broche Ballet 5-minute relevé challenge! In the world of classical dance, the relevé is much more than a simple rise to the balls of the feet; it is the fundamental building block for powerful jumps, stable turns, and graceful pointe work. This fast-paced, follow-along class is specifically designed to push your endurance and refine your technical execution in a concentrated five-minute burst.
Whether you are squeezing in a quick session between daily tasks or looking for a focused warm-up before a full barre class, this challenge targets the intrinsic foot muscles and calves needed for a rock-solid rise. Throughout this session, we prioritize the precision of the vertical movement. One of the most common technical errors for dancers is rocking forward onto the toes or backward onto the heels, which disrupts the center of gravity.
We will work on rising straight up through the vertical axis of the foot, deeply engaging the core to find that essential sense of lift that makes professional ballet look so effortless. We explore various foot placements, including turned-out first and second positions, while also challenging your balance through single-leg work. Strategically switching between legs during these exercises is crucial for developing symmetrical strength and preventing the body from overcompensating on a dominant side.
We also incorporate more complex variations such as the plié relevé and relevé passé. These specific movements are vital for dancers preparing for pirouettes and other rotational movements in the center. By focusing on maintaining 'flexi ankles'—a concept that involves keeping the ankle joint strong yet responsive—you will learn how to prevent wobbling and maintain control as the muscles begin to fatigue.
Keeping your shoulders down and your back muscles engaged is another key focus, ensuring that your upper body remains a calm, stable platform for the lower body's work. The challenge concludes with a series of precise movements, including closing in the back with control and finishing with fluid, controlled relevés in first position. Join us at Broche Ballet and find your strongest rise yet!
