What You'll Learn
- How to use silence to command audience attention
- Techniques for developing patience and stage presence
- Creating suspense through intentional slowness in movement
- Managing heart rate and focus for a dramatic performance effect
About This Video
In the world of ballet, we are often focused on the athleticism of the movements—the height of an assemblé, the speed of a pirouette, or the precision of a tendu. However, true artistry often lies in the spaces between the steps. In this Broche Ballet podcast episode, we explore how to harness the power of silence and slowness to create a truly captivating stage presence.
One of the most challenging aspects for any dancer is the ability to wait. We often feel the urge to keep moving to fill the music, but intentional pauses can be much more communicative than constant motion. By developing patience on stage, you learn to "pull" the audience toward you.
Instead of pushing your energy outward, you create a vacuum that the viewers are compelled to fill with their attention. This technique is essential for building suspense and keeping your audience on the edge of their seats. Slowness in ballet is not just about moving at a lower tempo; it is about the quality of movement.
Whether you are transitioning into an arabesque or lowering through a deep plié, doing so with deliberate control demonstrates a level of confidence that is unmistakable. To achieve this big, dramatic effect, you must learn to slow down your internal rhythm. Focus on your breathing and intentionally lower your heart rate.
By centering yourself in the present moment, you can execute even the most demanding choreography with a sense of calm authority. At Broche Ballet, we encourage our students to experiment with these artistic choices during their daily practice. Next time you are at the barre, try lingering for a fraction of a second longer at the top of a relevé or slowing down the closing of a dégagé.
These small adjustments to your timing will help you develop the stage presence needed to leave a lasting impression.
