What You'll Learn
- How to use 'shoulders down' and 'stomach up' cues to recover balance mid-movement.
- The mechanics of centering your weight over the arch by lifting the inner thigh.
- Drills for quick weight transfers using plié and pas de bourrée combinations.
- Proper hip flexor placement to maintain a vertical axis in center work.
- Alignment techniques for finding a stable, lifted arabesque without falling back.
About This Video
Achieving a steady balance in the center is one of the most challenging milestones for any dancer. This Broche Ballet practice session focuses on the Balancing Drills in Center, specifically designed to help you move away from the security of the barre and find your own vertical axis. We explore the intricate relationship between alignment, proprioception, and core strength, providing you with a toolkit of drills to improve your stability in every class.
The lesson begins by breaking down the mechanics of the tendu and how it sets the foundation for more complex movements. We emphasize the 'stomach up, shoulders down' posture, which is essential for creating a long, stable line. A key focus is the placement of the hip flexor; you will learn how to push the hip forward and upward, essentially 'under the nose,' to ensure your weight is perfectly centered over the supporting leg.
This adjustment is particularly vital for arabesque, where many dancers struggle with the hip falling behind the heel. By feeling the inner thigh lift over the top of the arch, you create a solid pillar of support that allows for a higher, more controlled leg extension. In addition to physical alignment, this class addresses the psychological side of dancing.
We discuss falling and panic management. When a dancer loses their balance, the natural instinct is to tense up, which often leads to a complete loss of form. The instructor teaches you how to insert technical cues—like 'stomach up'—the moment you feel a wobble.
This mental reset helps you regain control mid-movement. Through a series of combinations involving plié and pas de bourrée, you will practice changing legs quickly while maintaining your turnout and center. These drills are perfect for intermediate to advanced students who want to refine their technique and build the confidence necessary for center floor work.
