What You'll Learn
- Master the mechanics of the tombé pas de bourrée and chassé for seamless transitions.
- Improve cardiovascular endurance and musicality through rhythmic waltz combinations.
- Maintain proper turnout and hip alignment while traveling backwards across the floor.
- Develop better balance and timing for pirouette and relevé movements.
- Enhance posture and upper body carriage to create a professional dance aesthetic.
About This Video
Center work is where the artistry and athleticism of ballet truly unite. Once you move away from the barre, you must rely on your core strength, alignment, and musicality to carry you through the space. This 'All-Level Ballet Center' session from Broche Ballet is designed to help dancers of all backgrounds refine their technique through a series of engaging traveling exercises and classical combinations. Throughout this 23-minute practice, we explore the fundamental movements that define a dancer's presence on stage.
We begin by exploring the waltz, a movement that combines grace with athletic endurance. Our instructor highlights why waltzing is a favorite form of cardio, encouraging dancers to find a steady rhythm while maintaining proper breathing. As we move through the room, you will focus on the fluidity of your arms and the strength of your legs, ensuring every balancé feels light yet controlled. The transition from a simple step to a sweeping waltz requires a deep understanding of weight transfer and momentum.
Technical precision is a core focus of this class. You will practice the tombé pas de bourrée, a fundamental transition step that requires coordination and sharp footwork. We break down the mechanics: stepping out, bringing the feet together, and changing direction with poise. Additionally, we dive into the chassé, perfecting the 'chasing' motion of the feet to create seamless travel across the floor. By mastering these transitions, you prepare your body for more complex movements like the pirouette and grand jeté.
Alignment and turnout are vital when moving in the center. The instructor provides specific feedback on keeping the hips turned out even when traveling backward, a common challenge for many dancers. By focusing on your posture and keeping your shoulders relaxed, you will find more stability in your relevé and passé positions. Whether you are practicing in a professional studio or your home living room, this class offers the tools you need to execute ballet movements with confidence and joy.
