Ballet Barre: Mastering Port de Bras and Head Coordination

Elevate your dance practice with Broche Ballet in this comprehensive 40-minute all-level ballet barre session. While many classes focus solely on leg strength, this class prioritizes the artistry of the upper body, specifically targeting port de bras and the nuanced coordination of the head. Mastering these finishing touches is what separates a series of exercises from true dance, allowing you to move with the grace and intention of a professional.

Throughout the class, we move through a traditional barre progression including plié, tendu, and dégagé, but with an added emphasis on where the eyes and head should be directed. You will learn how to maintain a 'heavy' shoulder to prevent tension and how to keep a calm, focused mind while navigating complex coordinations. The lesson dives deep into technical movements such as fondu développé and tombé sequences, teaching you how to synchronize the lower body's strength with the upper body's fluid expression.

We also explore grand battement to engage the hips and improve range of motion, all while maintaining precise body directions. The instructor provides clear guidance on positions like arabesque and allongé, ensuring your alignment remains impeccable throughout various shifts in weight. By focusing on head placement and arm carriage, you will build the muscle memory necessary for more advanced center work. This class is designed to help you feel more 'put together' and confident in your movements, whether you are practicing at home or in a studio. The session concludes with a brief introduction to center work for those ready to take their practice off the barre.