What You'll Learn
- The mechanics of transitioning effectively from first position to a tight fifth position.
- How to engage the glutes, inner thighs, and core to maintain stability and turnout.
- Proper upper-body alignment, including rib cage placement and shoulder relaxation.
- Using breath and mindfulness to release tension during high-engagement exercises.
About This Video
Welcome to the Broche Ballet "5 Minutes of 5th Challenge" with Julie. In the world of classical ballet, the fifth position is often considered the ultimate benchmark of a dancer's technique. While it may seem simple to the naked eye, a truly stable and aesthetically correct fifth position requires a sophisticated coordination of muscle engagement, skeletal alignment, and mindful breathing. This quick yet intense challenge is designed to help you strip away bad habits and find a more functional, powerful stance.
We begin the session in first position, establishing a wide chest and a relaxed breath. From here, Julie guides you through the transition into fifth position. You will learn to feel the legs crossing deeply, engaging the inner thighs as they wrap forward and through. A common pitfall for many dancers is losing their core stability when closing the legs; this class addresses that by focusing on tucking the pelvis slightly to find a neutral spine, squeezing the legs together, and pressing the toes firmly into the floor for groundedness.
Alignment is a primary focus of this challenge. Throughout the five minutes, you will be reminded to keep your ribs closed, your shoulders down, and your chin level. We visualize a long neck and a spine that pulls upward through the crown of the head, creating that iconic ballet silhouette. Julie also emphasizes the importance of lightness in the arms, ensuring that the work is concentrated in the lower body and core rather than manifesting as tension in the upper body.
By the end of this challenge, you will have meditated on the nuances of your fifth position, finding a balance between strength and grace. We conclude the session by returning to first position and performing a controlled demi-plié to release any residual tension in the joints. Whether you are preparing for a full class or just need a quick technique tune-up, this challenge provides the tools needed to elevate your ballet foundation at any stage of your journey.
