What You'll Learn
- How to use a high second position for stability in pas de bourrée and arabesque
- Techniques for energizing your fourth position to create powerful pirouettes
- Coordinating port de bras with lower body movements for improved flow
- Strategies for maintaining balance and core control during center exercises
- Developing stage presence through a proper révérence, including bows and curtsies
About This Video
Moving from the barre to the center is a pivotal moment in any dancer’s training. In this All-Level Ballet Center class, we focus on the foundational elements that provide stability, control, and grace when you no longer have the support of the barre. We begin by examining the port de bras, specifically focusing on the strength and placement of the second position.
Many dancers allow their arms to drop or lose energy when focusing on complex footwork like pas de bourrée or holding a demanding arabesque. In this session, you will learn to keep the arms high and energized, providing a supportive frame for your movement and helping to maintain your center of gravity. A significant portion of this practice is dedicated to the mechanics of the pirouette.
One of the most common pitfalls in turning is a passive or 'comfortable' fourth position before the takeoff. We discuss how to pull the knees apart and create active tension throughout the body—visualizing the legs as a loaded spring ready to be released. By making the fourth position a place that is physically demanding and 'hard to stay in,' you create the necessary torque to launch into a controlled, clean turn.
Trusting this preparation is essential; when the setup is solid, you can stop overthinking the rotation and allow your body to execute the movement with confidence. Beyond technical precision in movements like chassé and passé, this Broche Ballet session emphasizes the inherent artistry of the craft. We explore how to use allongé and port de bras to express emotion and connect with your audience, transforming a technical exercise into a true performance.
The class concludes with a formal révérence, including traditional bows and curtsies, to help you develop the stage presence and professional polish that defines a ballet dancer. Whether you are refining your balance or seeking more power in your turns, this comprehensive center practice offers the tools you need to excel.
