What You'll Learn
- Master advanced timing for fondu combinations to improve musicality and coordination
- Develop speed and precision in soutenu turns using efficient arm placement and spotting
- Improve center balance and core stability by performing barre-style exercises without support
- Refine adagio technique and port de bras for more expressive and controlled movement
About This Video
Welcome to a challenging 37-minute session designed to take your ballet technique to the next level. In this Broche Ballet class, we step away from the physical support of the barre to test your core stability, alignment, and precision. Center barre is an essential practice for any advanced student, as it forces the body to find its own vertical axis and engage the deep stabilizing muscles necessary for fluid, independent movement. We begin this session with a celebratory and gentle port de bras, setting a focused yet joyful tone for the adagio sequences to follow.
A major focus of this class is the fondu movement. Unlike standard barre work, performing a fondu in the center requires a deep connection to your standing leg and impeccable timing. We explore variations that challenge your musicality, such as increasing the speed on the third repetition to catch the rhythm on beat five instead of waiting for beat eight. This type of syncopation is vital for developing the quick-twitch muscle response needed for more complex center work and petit allegro later in class.
As we progress, we tackle the soutenu. The instructor provides detailed technical corrections on how to use a running head start with the arms to generate the necessary torque for a quick, clean turn. You will learn how to maintain your body's forward orientation while the legs execute the turn, eventually catching the sous-sus with the front foot for a crisp finish. We also dive into combinations involving tombé, passé, and developpé, ensuring that every movement is executed with correct placement. Throughout the video, you will receive tips on maintaining a long arm in open positions and ensuring the opposite arm stays engaged during demi-plié transitions. Whether you are working on your adagio control or your turning speed, this class provides the technical scaffolding to help you feel more secure in the center.
