What You'll Learn
- Techniques for finding stability in arabesque and plié before transitioning into turns
- How to manage momentum by coordinating shoulder placement and upper back control
- Executing a fluid pas de bourrée to effectively shift weight for pirouette preparation
- The importance of finding center balance before executing rotations
- Graceful port de bras coordination and the traditional closing révérence
About This Video
Welcome to this comprehensive center practice session with Broche Ballet, specifically designed to help dancers of all levels find their center and master the art of controlled momentum. In this focused 20-minute class, we move away from the barre to explore the core principles of balance and stability that define a beautiful center practice. This session is perfect for those who want to feel more grounded and confident when dancing in the middle of the floor.
We begin with a focus on adagio movements, specifically looking at how an arabesque and a deep plié serve as the functional foundation for more complex movements. The instructor emphasizes that stability is not a static state; rather, it is about controlling your body's energy as you move through space. You will learn how to find a lifted alignment through your supporting side, ensuring that every transition is intentional and graceful.
A major highlight of this session is the detailed breakdown of pirouette preparation. Many dancers struggle with turns due to unmanaged momentum or improper weight distribution. Here, we explore the philosophy of turning by first controlling the shoulders and the upper back—an engagement often referred to here as 'spidey' control. By learning to turn the shoulders in one direction while maintaining balance, and then finding the exact moment to step into the turn, you gain a new level of authority over your pirouettes. We use the pas de bourrée not just as a transition step, but as a vital tool to find balance and shift weight effectively from one foot to the other.
Throughout the class, we integrate these technical concepts into fluid movement. We conclude our practice with a graceful port de bras sequence, focusing on arm movements that breathe life into the technique, followed by a traditional révérence. Whether you are a beginner looking to understand the mechanics of a turn or an intermediate dancer seeking more consistency, this class provides the technical building blocks for success.
