What You'll Learn
- How to use arm counterbalance for a lighter passé relevé
- Techniques for proper weight placement in tombé pas de bourrée
- Maintaining hip alignment and turnout in fourth position for pirouettes
- Coordinating fluid port de bras with waltz and balancé steps
- Integrating breath and posture to improve center stability
About This Video
Welcome to a focused 23-minute center practice designed for dancers of all levels. In this session at Broche Ballet, we transition away from the support of the barre to challenge your stability, musicality, and coordination through a series of essential center combinations. The class begins by tackling center tendu exercises, emphasizing the importance of grounded weight placement.
We then move into more complex coordination, specifically focusing on the passé relevé. One of the key takeaways from this lesson is learning how to use your arms as a counterbalance. By properly positioning the port de bras, you create a sense of lightness that allows the body to float during the relevé, preventing a heavy or forced movement.
A significant portion of the class is dedicated to the tombé pas de bourrée. The instructor provides vital corrections on weight distribution, reminding students not to fall forward too early in the tombé. Keeping your weight back until the movement is complete ensures a clean transition.
We also explore the stylistic differences in rhythm required for this step, encouraging a lighter musicality that distinguishes it from slower, more grounded movements. As we progress into waltz patterns and pirouette preparation, alignment becomes the primary focus. You will learn how to keep your hips square and forward when finding a stable fourth position.
The class breaks down the mechanics of the piqué soutenu and the arabesque, ensuring that every pose is held with proper extension and turnout. Beyond the physical steps, this class emphasizes the art of ballet. We practice the balancé and chassé with an eye toward musical timing and fluid port de bras.
Finally, we conclude with traditional bows and curtsies, reinforcing the importance of presentation and body alignment. Throughout the session, the instructor reminds you to focus on your breathing, helping you maintain control and regain a natural rhythm between challenging combinations. Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate dancer, this practice provides the tools needed to feel confident and graceful in the center.
