Master Fluid Transitions: Ballet Temps Lié, Balancé, and Adagio

Transitioning from the barre to the center is one of the most challenging aspects of ballet training. In this 18-minute session from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of weight transfer, specifically focusing on the grace and control required for temps lié, balancé, and adagio sequences. Understanding how to move your weight efficiently is the key to achieving that effortless, floating quality seen in professional dancers.

We begin by breaking down the four primary ways to move between legs in the center. A major focus is placed on the temps lié—a movement where you transition from a straight leg through a controlled plié in two legs to a new straight leg. This foundational step is essential for fluid combinations.

You will also practice tendu exercises that emphasize maintaining a straight knee when moving from first position, avoiding the common mistake of 'picking up' the foot. Coordination is further refined through specific port de bras requirements. You will learn the classic rules for arm placement: using the opposite arm for front movements and the same-side arm for positions like arabesque.

This coordination is vital for maintaining balance and aesthetic harmony during center work. The adagio portion of the class incorporates développé, rond de jambe, and piqué sous-sus. Here, the instructor emphasizes the technical necessity of actively straightening and squeezing the trailing leg during transitions to create a clean, sharp line.

To challenge your musicality, we conclude with a faster balancé drill set to a slow waltz rhythm. This allows you to apply your newly refined weight transfer skills to a more dynamic, phrased sequence. Whether you are working on your stability in a fondu or the height of your développé, this class provides the technical building blocks to elevate your center practice.

Finish with a traditional révérence to honor your hard work and the art of ballet.