What You'll Learn
- How to use a relevé in fourth position to find forward and upward momentum.
- Techniques for maintaining balance by aligning the face, hips, and feet during turns.
- Mastering the piqué sous-sus with proper leg extension and weight transfer.
- Using 'midair brakes' to control and stop pirouettes with precision.
- Developing fluid port de bras and allongé to enhance artistic expression.
About This Video
Center work is where the true test of a dancer's stability and grace begins. In this 20-minute instructional class with Broche Ballet, we transition from the support of the barre to the open floor, focusing on the fundamental strength required for controlled adagio and the dynamic power needed for pirouettes. We begin the session with fluid port de bras to establish the essential connection between the arms and the back, followed by tendus and fondu exercises designed to warm up the supporting leg for more complex sequences.
A key focus of this class is the piqué sous-sus. We deconstruct the movement to ensure you are extending fully through the leg and finding your vertical center immediately upon the weight transfer. For those working on their rotations, we dive deep into the mechanics of the pirouette.
You will learn how to 'take the play out of the system' by engaging the core and inner thighs, allowing you to execute sharp finishes or even stop midair with precision. We emphasize the importance of the relevé in the fourth position, teaching you how to use that spring to get your weight forward and up rather than sitting back into the heels. Throughout the class, we explore the concept of 'brakes' in ballet—the specific muscular control required to transition from a dynamic movement into a sharp, balanced finish.
By focusing on keeping your face over your foot and your hips properly aligned, you will find more consistency in your rotations and adagio sequences. Whether you are practicing your first piqué or refining your renversé, this class provides the technical cues and professional corrections necessary for all-level growth in a home or studio setting.
