What You'll Learn
- The mechanics of the pendulum-like movement in the legs
- How to use potential energy to lift the leg effortlessly
- The role of the knee bend in increasing your range of motion
- Techniques to reduce hamstring tension during large swings
- How to transition smoothly through first position without pausing
About This Video
In this Broche Ballet tutorial, we dive deep into the mechanics of the balançoire movement, specifically focusing on attitude swings. Often, dancers struggle with the transition through first position, either pausing too long or using excessive muscular force to lift the leg. This lesson reframes the movement as a pendulum, where the weight of the foot generates the necessary momentum for a graceful lift.
By treating the foot as a weighted pendulum, you learn to harness potential energy rather than relying solely on muscular tension. As your leg swings through the first position, it should not feel like a forced lift; instead, it is a release of energy that allows the leg to float upward into the attitude position. This efficiency is key for maintaining stamina and fluidity during longer combinations at the barre or in the center.
A critical component discussed in this video is the intentional knee bend. While many exercises demand a perfectly straight leg, the balançoire in attitude allows for a softening of the joint. This reduction in tension across the hamstring and hip flexor provides a greater range of motion and prevents the 'stuck' feeling many dancers experience in their hips.
By allowing the leg to bend naturally as it moves toward the back, you create a beautiful attitude shape that looks effortless and expressive. We break down the movement step-by-step, starting from a stable first position. You will learn how to lengthen and stretch up into a large arc, transitioning from a straight leg at the peak to a softened knee as the leg swings through.
This 'swing' feeling is what gives the movement its name and its unique grace. Whether you are preparing for grand battement en cloche or simply looking to improve your leg's freedom of movement, mastering these attitude swings is a foundational skill for any advancing dancer. Join Broche Ballet as we refine your technique through a better mechanical understanding of your body's natural momentum.
