What You'll Learn
- Precision in the frappé strike and the divot technique for percussive footwork
- How to transition from a flexed foot to demi-pointe on the downward path
- Correct knee positioning and hip alignment during complex sweeps
- Developing center balance and stability by practicing advanced barre work without support
About This Video
Welcome to an intensive session of center work at Broche Ballet. In this advanced lesson, we transition away from the support of the barre to refine one of the most dynamic movements in the ballet vocabulary: the frappé. This class is specifically designed to help you achieve the sharpness and power required for professional-level allegro work by focusing on the mechanics of the strike.
The frappé is often misunderstood as a simple flick of the leg, but true mastery comes from the resistance against the floor. Our instructor guides you through the intricate mechanics of the foot as it leaves the flexed position. One of the key technical takeaways in this lesson is the importance of starting to pointe the foot on the way down.
By focusing on the demi-pointe as the foot brushes the floor, you create a crisp, percussive sound and a powerful movement that resembles making a divot in the floor. Throughout the practice, we emphasize proper alignment of the knee and the Achilles tendon. You will learn to sweep the toes while keeping the knee straight before returning to a sharp flex right at the inside of the ankle.
We also address common technical errors, such as allowing the foot to flex higher than parallel with the floor or flaring the leg upward. Instead, we focus on a downward trajectory that builds the necessary strength for fast footwork. Practicing these exercises without the barre forces a deeper engagement of the core and supporting leg.
This center barre format challenges your balance and ensures that your weight is correctly placed over the ball of the foot. By the end of this 24-minute session, you will have a better understanding of how to combine complex sweeping and flexing movements into a cohesive, rhythmic sequence. Whether you are preparing for pointe work or simply want to improve your speed and precision, this advanced center work is an essential addition to your training regimen.
