Artistry Barre: Focus on Breath, Musicality, and Stage Presence

In this 40-minute Artistry Barre session at Broche Ballet, we transition from mechanical movement to true artistic expression. This class is designed to help you feel like a dancer the moment you step to the barre, emphasizing the internal breath and external grace required for a professional stage presence. We begin by reviewing the importance of a deliberate preparation, utilizing the pas de cheval to establish a connection with the floor and a sense of elongation throughout the body.

A central theme of this practice is the refinement of the upper body. You will learn how to initiate your port de bras from the upper back, creating a ripple of soft, controlled motion that extends through the fingertips without unnecessary tension. By focusing on keeping the hands relatively still, you allow the larger lines of the arms to speak more clearly to the audience.

We also explore the allongé à tendu, a subtle but powerful movement used to sustain focus and command attention during a performance. Technically, the class covers a wide range of essential movements including plié, tendu, relevé, and soussou. We dive into complex combinations featuring développé, requiring both strength and control.

Throughout the lesson, our instructor provides detailed demonstrations to ensure you are executing each pas de cheval with the correct forward-then-down trajectory. We even treat the moments between exercises as part of the dance, practicing side changes with the poise of a silent film star. This holistic approach ensures that your time at the barre is not just a workout, but a rehearsal for the stage.

Join us to refine your musicality and bring a new level of artistry to your ballet practice.