What You'll Learn
- The 'fingers last' technique for fluid and professional port de bras.
- How to maintain directional momentum by aligning movements with hip opening.
- Proper execution of the emballé combination, including chassé and arabesque.
- Strategies for releasing hand tension to improve upper-body aesthetics.
- The importance of tricep engagement and wrist rotation in port de bras.
About This Video
Welcome to a dynamic center practice session with Broche Ballet, designed for dancers of all levels who are ready to take their technique from the barre to the middle of the floor. This 19-minute class focuses on the delicate balance between strength and artistry, specifically targeting port de bras and larger traveling movements like emballé and chassé. The center floor is where a dancer truly finds their independence, and this video provides the tools to move with both power and poise.
We begin by refining our port de bras. Our instructor emphasizes a 'fingers last' approach, ensuring that your arms move with a sense of breath and extension rather than rigidity. You will learn how to engage your triceps and rotate the wrists to achieve a beautiful allongée line. By releasing tension in the hands and focusing on the subtle rotation of the wrist, you can create the fluid, professional look seen on professional stages. We explore how a small extension of the wrist can transform a standard position into a moment of expressive artistry.
As we transition into the grand allegro portion of the class, we dive into combinations featuring balancé, plié, and emballé. One of the key challenges for many students in the center is maintaining direction and momentum. Our instructor provides a vital tip for spatial awareness: always move in the direction your hips are opening. This technique prevents confusion during complex circular patterns and ensures your quatrième positions and lunges remain stable and correctly turned out. Whether you are performing an arabesque or a chassé, these corrections will help you navigate the room with confidence.
Proper alignment and control are the heart of this lesson. At Broche Ballet, we believe that technique is a lifelong journey. The class concludes with a heart-centered révérence, a traditional bowing exercise that honors the community and the discipline of dance. This video serves as an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their center work, offering clear corrections and encouraging guidance to help you feel like a true performer.
