40-Minute All-Level Ballet Barre with Julie

Refine your technique and build foundational strength with this comprehensive all-levels ballet barre class at Broche Ballet. Led by Julie, this session is designed to bridge the gap between basic movements and professional-level execution, focusing on the subtle mechanics that make a dancer truly expressive. Throughout the forty-minute practice, you will be guided through a series of exercises starting with gentle warm-ups and progressing through complex combinations including dégagé, passé, and grand battement en croix.

One of the primary focuses of this class is the anatomical approach to turnout. Rather than forcing the feet, Julie teaches you how to 'narrow' the back of the hips to create space and openness in the front of the hip joint. This method not only improves your aesthetic lines but also promotes long-term joint health. Additionally, the class emphasizes foot articulation. By maintaining constant friction with the floor and pressing the heel firmly during tendu and dégagé movements, you will develop the necessary strength for future pointe work and powerful allegro jumps.

Upper body fluidity is another key pillar of this session. You will explore port de bras and allongé, learning that the arms and torso should never remain static. Even at the bottom of a stretch or the peak of a movement, you will find a continuous reaching sensation that adds grace to your dancing. To support these movements, the class dives into core stability, teaching you how to lift the standing hip while pushing the working hip down to maintain perfect balance during extensions. Whether you are a beginner looking to understand the mechanics of the barre or an experienced dancer wanting to revisit the fundamentals, this class offers valuable insights for every level of practice. Join us on the mat or at the barre to elevate your technique with intentional, mindful movement.