What You'll Learn
- How to engage the latissimus dorsi to stabilize the upper body during center work.
- The glued shoulder blade technique for maintaining consistent balance in adagio.
- Using a flex point check to verify correct weight placement over the supporting leg.
- Execution of controlled arabesque, passé, and cou-de-pied without a barre.
- Applying stability principles to dynamic waltz movements and the balancé.
About This Video
Elevate your practice with this 39-minute Advanced Center Barre class from Broche Ballet. Designed for dancers who are ready to move away from the support of the physical barre, this session focuses on the intricate mechanics of balance, particularly how the upper body dictates stability. In the center, your core and back muscles become your internal barre, and this class provides the specific cues needed to activate them effectively.
A major highlight of this lesson is the focus on shoulder placement. The instructor explains how to glue the shoulder blades in place and keep the shoulders heavy to prevent the upper body from swaying or lifting out of alignment. By engaging the latissimus dorsi and pulling down through the back of the ribs, you create a sturdy frame.
This is especially crucial during adagio, where slow, sustained movements like developpé and arabesque require maximum control. You will learn to give way to the weight of your arms rather than tensing up, a concept illustrated by the analogy of carrying heavy loads like groceries. We also explore the pedagogical concept of the flex point.
This technique serves as a self-check for weight distribution. By slightly flexing the foot before a transition or when lowering a leg, you can ensure that your center of gravity is precisely over the supporting leg. This prevents the common mistake of falling into a position and allows for much cleaner transitions into movements like coupé, tombé, and passé.
The session transitions from technical drills into more fluid dance movements, including waltzes and the balancé. These exercises allow you to test your newfound stability in a more artistic and dynamic context. Whether you are preparing for professional work or simply want to feel more secure in your adult ballet classes, these insights into back engagement and posture will refine your technique.
Join the Broche Ballet community and discover how a quiet, strong upper body can lead to effortless grace in the center.
