What You'll Learn
- The specific rules and patterns for croisé, effacé, and écarté body directions.
- Correct arm and leg placement for first, second, and third arabesque.
- How to use 'en face' positioning to maintain alignment during center transitions.
- Visualizing poses in different corners of the room to improve spatial awareness.
- Techniques for memorizing complex ballet terminology and leg-arm combinations.
About This Video
Welcome to Week 5 of our comprehensive center work series at Broche Ballet. In this session, we transition away from the support of the barre to focus on the essential rules of center floor movement. Mastering the coordination of arms and legs while maintaining correct orientation in space is one of the most challenging aspects of ballet training for beginners. This class provides a detailed review of essential body directions, including croisé (crossed), effacé (shaded), and écarté (separated or thrown wide).
We begin by breaking down the concept of dancing 'en face' and how to properly align your shoulders and hips toward the audience. From there, we dive into the complexities of the diagonal directions. You will learn the specific nuances of écarté devant (front) and the subtle differences in port de bras that define each pose. A significant portion of this lesson is dedicated to the arabesque. We explore the structural differences between first, second, and third arabesque, focusing on the relationship between the supporting leg, the working leg, and the placement of the eyes and fingers.
At Broche Ballet, we believe that understanding the 'why' behind the rules makes them much easier to memorize. We discuss why certain arm positions are paired with specific leg movements to create the most aesthetically pleasing lines. This video is designed to help you build the mental maps necessary to navigate the studio floor with confidence. By the end of this session, you will have a clearer understanding of how to use your épaulement to add artistry and dimension to your technique. Repetition is key to success in the center; we encourage you to revisit these exercises frequently to build muscle memory. As you practice, focus on the fluidity of your transitions and the precision of your tendu. These fundamentals provide the foundation for every advanced jump and turn you will eventually learn.
