What You'll Learn
- How to use gaze and head motion to lead movement and increase expression
- Techniques for framing the body with precise arm placement in center work
- Nuanced arm pathways (up the middle vs. around the outside) for different artistic effects
- Refining transitions in pas de bourrée, temps lié, and sous-sus
About This Video
Welcome to a specialized center practice at Broche Ballet, where we dive deep into the artistry that transforms standard steps into a captivating performance. While many dancers focus primarily on the technical execution of their feet, the true grace of ballet lies in the upper body—specifically the gaze, head motion, and intentional arm placement. In this all-level class, we explore how to integrate these intricate details into essential center combinations including the tendu, plié, and développé.
The session begins by establishing a strong foundation in first and second positions, emphasizing a fluid transition of the arms through first. You will learn how to 'breathe' through your movement, allowing the eyes to lead the hand and the head to tilt with a sense of purpose. We focus heavily on the pas de bourrée, a fundamental transitional step that frequently lacks upper-body coordination in student practice.
Here, we discuss the vital concept of 'framing'—using your arms to create a visual frame for your face and torso, which immediately elevates your aesthetic presence in the studio. One of the unique highlights of this lesson is the detailed discussion on arm pathways. When moving from a walk into a pose, should your arm travel up the center of the body or sweep around the outside?
We examine how these different choices change the 'frame' and how they influence the way an audience experiences your movement. We also work on the temps lié and the sous-sus, ensuring that every rise and every shift of weight is executed with professional-level alignment and fully stretched feet. Whether you are working on the soft, gentle quality of an adagio développé or the sharp precision of a pivot turn, this class provides the specific feedback required to refine your technique.
By the end of this practice, you will have the tools to finish every combination with a sense of completion and artistic satisfaction.
