What You'll Learn
- Techniques for activating the upper back muscles and shoulder blades for better port de bras support.
- Refining grand battement execution while maintaining a stable standing side and keeping the armpit down.
- Achieving a long, stretched line in arabesque with proper heel and hip alignment.
- Core engagement strategies during pliés and transitional movements to improve overall balance.
- Proper foot placement and hip alignment during turns and complex barre sequences.
About This Video
Join Broche Ballet for an intentional 43-minute all-level ballet barre designed to elevate your technique through a specific focus on upper back engagement and core stability. This class provides a balanced mix of traditional barre exercises and deep-dive technical corrections that are essential for dancers at any stage of their journey, from adult beginners to those returning to the studio. The session begins with a series of plié and stretch exercises aimed at warming up the legs while simultaneously activating the postural muscles of the spine.
A primary focus throughout this class is the intentional engagement of the upper back. You will learn how to properly activate the shoulder blades, ensuring that your port de bras is supported from the back rather than just the shoulders. This is particularly crucial when moving into arabesque positions, where keeping the standing armpit down and the core engaged allows for a longer, more stable line.
As we progress to grand battement, the instructor emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong, stable base. You will learn how to execute powerful leg extensions without compromising your hip alignment or lifting the standing heel. Proper foot placement and the engagement of the lower abdominals are key themes that help prevent common technical pitfalls.
By focusing on these details, you will develop the strength and muscle memory necessary for more advanced center work and allegro. Whether you are working on your passé positions or refining your battement en dedans, the detailed feedback provided in this class helps bridge the gap between simple movement and true balletic artistry. By the end of this practice, you will have a better understanding of how to maintain a long, stretched line from head to toe, ensuring that every movement is both functional and beautiful.
This class is an excellent resource for building a smart body that understands the mechanics behind every movement at the barre.
