What You'll Learn
- The technical distinction between a deliberate piqué and a controlled tombé.
- How to use épaulement and upper back engagement to stabilize your center of gravity.
- Strategies for managing directional energy to prevent falling and improve recovery.
- Proper execution of center combinations involving pas de bourrée and plié.
About This Video
Finding stability in the center is one of the most rewarding challenges for any ballet dancer. In this comprehensive 'All-level Ballet Center' class, Broche Ballet guides you through the essential mechanics of weight transfer, alignment, and energy management. Whether you are practicing in a studio or from the comfort of your home, this session focuses on the subtle nuances that separate a controlled movement from an accidental fall. We dive deep into the technical differences between a piqué and a tombé, emphasizing that a piqué is a deliberate, sharp push from the floor, while a tombé is a controlled 'fall' that requires precise management of your center of gravity.
A key focus of this lesson is the use of the upper body to maintain balance. You will learn how to engage your upper back and shoulders—often referred to as épaulement—to create the necessary counter-tension required when picking up the front leg or transitioning through a plié. By keeping your energy directed toward your back, you can effectively 'sit' into your heel, giving you the power to decide exactly when and how to move forward or backward. This directional control is the secret to avoiding those moments where you feel you are losing your axis.
Beyond just the steps, this class provides practical recovery tips for those moments when you do lose your balance. You will learn how to use your arms and upper back to regain control with grace, ensuring that your combinations remain fluid. The session concludes with a traditional pas de bourrée sequence and a final révérence. This closing bow is a vital part of ballet etiquette, allowing you to show appreciation for the music and the space while taking a moment of personal reflection on your progress. Join us at Broche Ballet to refine your center work and build the confidence to move through the air with total control.
