What You'll Learn
- How to initiate port de bras from the mid-back for more fluid and connected movements
- Techniques for improving épaulement and head placement to enhance stage presence
- How to interpret contrasting musical rhythms, from heavy ragtime dégagés to light piqués
- The concept of serving the foot in fondu and enveloppé for a more expressive line
- Mental strategies to remain calm and focused during complex ballet combinations
About This Video
Elevate your practice with this immersive 44-minute ballet barre class from Broche Ballet, specifically designed to bridge the gap between technical execution and artistic expression. This session focuses on developing deep musicality and phrasing, using slow, deliberate movements to refine the quality of your dance. Set to the evocative piano compositions of Ali Tejas, you will explore how to breathe life into every exercise, from the first plié to the final port de bras.
A central theme of this class is the integration of the upper and lower body. Rather than moving the arms from the shoulders, you will learn to initiate your port de bras from the mid-back and spine. This connection creates a fluid, expansive movement that resonates through the fingertips and enhances your overall stage presence.
Complementing this is a focus on épaulement and head placement; you are encouraged to take emotional risks by following your hand with your eyes and using the chin to find a lifted, expressive allongé. The curriculum covers traditional barre work with a creative twist. You will navigate slow pliés, tendus with en enveloppé, and precise ronde de jambe.
During fondu exercises, the concept of serving the foot is introduced, encouraging an open and generous presentation toward an imaginary audience. The class also challenges your rhythmic versatility by contrasting heavy heel strikes in rag-style dégagés with the lightness of bouncy piqués. Beyond the physical, this class addresses the dancer's mindset.
The instructor introduces the concept of not receiving panic, helping you maintain a calm, focused presence even during complex combinations or quick weight shifts. By the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of how to use your internal feeling to guide your external form, making your ballet technique not just a set of steps, but a true performance.
