What You'll Learn
- The three biological systems (visual, vestibular, and somatosensory) that govern your stability.
- How to maintain your center of mass over a narrow base of support on demi-pointe or en pointe.
- The role of proprioception in developing a reliable sense of balance without relying on mirrors.
- Why ankle and hip muscle activation must be reactionary to counteract wobbles effectively.
- How physical health factors like sinus issues can impact your inner ear and performance.
About This Video
Understanding balance is more than just squeezing your core; it is a complex neurological process. In this Broche Ballet 'Sit & Learn' session, Dr. T.
(also known as 'The Pointe Doc'), provides an in-depth anatomical breakdown of how dancers maintain stability. To master balance, a dancer must understand the three primary biological systems the body uses: the visual system, the vestibular system, and the somatosensory system. Dr.
Nina explains how these systems work in tandem to keep your center of mass aligned over your base of support. The visual system provides immediate feedback about your surroundings, which is why spotting is vital. However, relying too heavily on mirrors can actually hinder your progress.
This is where proprioception—part of the somatosensory system—comes in. It involves sensory input from the floor through your feet and tendons, telling your brain exactly where your body is in space without needing to look. This lecture details how balance becomes significantly more challenging when transitioning to demi-pointe or dancing en pointe in pointe shoes, where the base of support shrinks to a tiny fraction of its usual size.
You will learn about the reactionary muscle activations required in the lower leg, ankles, and hips to maintain a steady retiré or attitude. Furthermore, Dr. Nina discusses how external factors, such as sinus issues or ear infections, can disrupt the vestibular system in the inner ear, making turns and static holds difficult.
By integrating this scientific knowledge into your practice at Broche Ballet, you can develop heightened body awareness, improve your technical execution, and significantly reduce your risk of injury. This class is an essential resource for any dancer looking to move beyond 'guessing' and start 'knowing' how to stay on balance.
