What You'll Learn
- Refine épaulement and active head placement to improve balance and artistic expression.
- Execute piqué fouetté movements by reaching toward the back corner for better stability.
- Master fluid transitions between steps like failli and soutenu for continuous movement flow.
- Improve spatial orientation by utilizing room corners for accurate écarté and diagonal movements.
- Coordinate complex port de bras with leg extensions during rhythmic pas de basque sequences.
About This Video
Elevate your practice with this 18-minute advanced center session at Broche Ballet, specifically designed to challenge your coordination and artistic expression. This session focuses on the fluid integration of head movement, known as épaulement, and complex directional changes within intricate center combinations. We begin with a detailed adage sequence that incorporates tendu, fondu, and arabesque. Throughout this sequence, you will learn the importance of 'taking the risk' with your head positions, a technique that not only enhances your artistry but also builds a more resilient sense of balance.
As we progress, we explore the spatial transitions necessary for professional-level execution. You will navigate the room through croisé, devant, and écarté positions, with specific guidance on how to utilize room corners to maintain proper alignment. A key technical highlight is the piqué fouetté. The instructor emphasizes reaching through the extremities and aiming the foot toward the back corner to ensure stability and a strong, upright spine. This prevents the common mistake of falling forward during the turn and maintains a clean classical line.
The class then shifts into a more rhythmic, 'dance-y' combination featuring pas de basque and pirouettes. Here, the focus is on the seamless connection of steps. By practicing transitions like the failli into a soutenu, you will learn to create a continuous flow of movement rather than a series of isolated poses. We emphasize lateral movement in the spine and fluid weight transfers to achieve a more natural, expressive quality. To wrap up the session, we perform a classical révérence, a traditional way to acknowledge the hard work put into the practice. This class is an excellent resource for dancers looking to improve their coordination, spatial awareness, and the overall connection of classical ballet steps.
