What You'll Learn
- Master pivots by utilizing active shoulder placement to stay on tempo and maintain momentum.
- Refine weight transfers in tombé pas de bourrée for smoother, more expansive transitions.
- Coordinate épaulement and head movements to counterbalance the body during dévelopé.
- Build power in piqué movements by engaging the back leg to stay ahead of the music.
- Improve stability by consistently returning to a tight fifth position after traveling steps.
About This Video
Elevate your center practice with this ambitious intermediate ballet class from Broche Ballet. This 19-minute session is specifically designed for dancers ready to challenge their spatial awareness and technical precision through a series of complex combinations. We begin with a focus on tendu and the mechanics of pivots. You will learn how to actively use your shoulder placement and "change corners" to maintain momentum and stay ahead of the music during rapid directional shifts.
A core theme of this class is the importance of maintaining a tight fifth position. Whether you are transitioning from a tombé pas de bourrée or preparing for a piqué, closing into a clean fifth position is essential for establishing the stability needed for subsequent movements. We also explore the nuances of weight transfer. By reaching the foot further away during a tombé rather than stepping directly under your center of gravity, you create a more fluid and expansive movement quality that is characteristic of advanced dancing.
The class continues with an adagio-style sequence featuring fondu, attitude back, and dévelopé. Here, the focus shifts to épaulement and head coordination. You will practice using your gaze to counterbalance the body, ensuring your lines remain long and graceful even in challenging extensions. The instructor provides detailed cues on how the coordination of the head and arms can enhance the overall classical aesthetic while maintaining your center of gravity.
To wrap up, we dive into a bouncy waltz combination that integrates balancés, piqué soutenu, and pirouettes. You will learn to use the power of your back leg to push into piqué movements, ensuring you do not "sit" in plié and fall behind the tempo. This class is perfect for intermediate dancers looking to bridge the gap between basic steps and professional-level coordination in the center.
