What You'll Learn
- Techniques to improve proprioception and spatial awareness in the center
- Proper alignment of the pelvis and chest to maintain a vertical axis
- Stability drills involving coup-de-pied, tendu, and grand plié
- Visualization strategies to enhance mental focus during difficult balances
- Post-exercise stretching to calm the body and prevent muscle soreness
About This Video
Achieving a rock-solid balance in the center is one of the most rewarding yet challenging milestones in a dancer’s journey. In this 10-minute practice session, Broche Ballet invites you to step away from the barre and find your internal center of gravity. This class is designed to help you build the strength and awareness necessary to feel secure in any pose, focusing specifically on proprioception—your body’s innate ability to sense its position in space.
The session begins with fundamental drills that challenge your stability right from the start. You will practice standing on one leg in a parallel position, allowing you to find your vertical axis without the added complexity of turnout initially. The instructor encourages you to hang in the center, finding a moment of stillness and deep breathing before progressing.
We use specific visualizations, like the combined agility of a cat and the poised stability of a flamingo, to help you tap into a more intuitive sense of balance. As we move through various positions, including tendu and coup-de-pied, the focus shifts to internal alignment and muscular control. You will learn to keep the chest closed and the pelvic floor lifted, ensuring that your core is fully engaged to support your spine.
Proper placement of the shoulders and elbows is emphasized to prevent tension from traveling upward and disrupting your center. Beyond just standing still, these drills incorporate dynamic movements such as demi-plié and grand plié. Controlling the transition from a flat foot to demi-pointe is essential for developing the micro-adjustments needed for advanced center work.
Finally, the class concludes with a series of stretches and relaxation exercises. These are crucial for calming the nervous system after intense focus and preventing muscle soreness, ensuring you leave the floor feeling balanced and refreshed. Whether you are working toward better pirouettes or more controlled adagio, these centering drills provide the foundation you need.
