What You'll Learn
- The isometric push and release technique for powerful and controlled grands battements.
- How to maintain proper alignment and hip engagement during slow-tempo tendu sequences.
- Building muscular stamina and core stability by holding positions through extended 8-count phrases.
- Techniques for resisting the striking motion in fondu and dégagé to improve overall leg control.
About This Video
Welcome to a specialized training session at Broche Ballet designed to challenge your control and build lasting muscular stamina. In this Super Slow Barre class, we strip away the speed to focus on the intricate mechanics of every movement. By utilizing 8-count phrases for each exercise, you are forced to find stability and strength in the transitions that are often missed during faster combinations. This intentional pace allows you to feel every inch of the movement, from the initial plié to the full extension of the foot.
A primary focus of this session is the execution of the grand battement. Rather than relying on momentum, we explore the concept of the isometric push. This technique involves creating tension and energy against the floor before releasing into the kick. By resisting the initial striking motion, you engage the deep muscles of the leg and core, leading to a more controlled and powerful movement. This approach is similar to the resistance found in a well-executed fondu, where the melting quality requires constant muscular engagement and a slow, controlled descent.
We also dive deep into tendu and dégagé placement. When moving at such a slow tempo, the alignment of the hip joint becomes paramount. You will learn how to move the femur bone smoothly within the socket while maintaining a lifted torso and high elbows. We emphasize the feeling of stretching the leg away from the center, ensuring the foot remains fully articulated against the floor throughout the movement. This level of detail helps prevent common habits like gripping the hip or losing turnout during the closing phase of the movement. Throughout this 36-minute practice, remember to maintain your ballet posture: shoulders down, ears high, and a strong, supported center. Whether you are working on your arabesque or a complex rond de jambe, the goal is to find fluid, controlled motion. This slow-motion approach is a vital tool for intermediate and advanced dancers to identify technical gaps and refine their artistry.
