What You'll Learn
- Techniques for controlling gravity and momentum during center transitions
- How to maintain alignment while executing dégagé, brushes, and falls
- Strengthening the standing leg for piqué and sous-sus movements
- The importance of timing when transitioning between levels and positions
- Refining your attitude position for maximum stability and grace
About This Video
Finding your center is one of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of classical dance. In this session with Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of stability through a series of specialized balance drills. Unlike barre work, where you have the security of a physical support, center work requires a heightened awareness of your alignment and a precise control of your weight distribution.
This class is designed to bridge the gap between static positions and dynamic movement. We begin by revisiting the fundamentals of weight transfer. You will learn how to manage the force of gravity during transitions, specifically focusing on the interaction between a dégagé and a controlled fall or lunge.
By understanding the timing required to transition from demi-pointe to a flat foot or a deep fondu, you gain the catch necessary to stop momentum and hold a rock-solid position. The drills progress into more complex combinations involving brushes and attitudes. One of the unique focuses of this lesson is the concept of brushing both heels together—a drill that demands exceptional timing and core engagement to maintain verticality.
We also explore how maintaining forward momentum can actually aid your balance rather than hinder it, provided you have the technical strength to control the back heel’s movement. Throughout the practice, the instructor emphasizes the importance of the standing leg. Whether you are executing a piqué or pulling into a sous-sus, the ability to balance on one leg is a skill that requires repetitive, mindful practice.
By the end of this session, you will have a toolkit of exercises to help you feel more grounded, confident, and graceful in every center combination. Whether you are preparing for an upcoming performance or simply looking to refine your technique, these drills provide the foundational strength every dancer needs to thrive in the center.
