What You'll Learn
- Master foundational barre exercises including the plié, tendu, and fondu with proper form.
- Develop upper body coordination and grace through port de bras and cambré techniques.
- Improve balance and ankle strength with controlled relevé and sous-sus movements.
- Understand the importance of transitions and maintaining poise during calm breaks between exercises.
- Explore the artistry of adagio through slow, controlled leg extensions and développés.
About This Video
Welcome to a foundational practice session at Broche Ballet, designed to help adult dancers master the essential elements of classical technique. This 46-minute beginner-level class focuses on the primary movements that build a strong ballet foundation, emphasizing proper alignment, turnout, and graceful execution. Whether you are returning to the barre or looking to solidify your basics, this video provides a supportive environment for growth and refinement.
Our session begins with a detailed warmup at the barre, working through various positions to wake up the muscles and prepare the body for movement. You will be guided through essential exercises including the plié, which focuses on the fluid bending of the knees, and the tendu, which develops foot articulation and leg strength. We also incorporate the fondu to practice controlled, 'melting' movements and the développé to build strength in extensions.
Throughout the class, we place a high priority on port de bras, teaching you how to coordinate arm movements and cambré with your footwork for a cohesive and elegant performance. A unique highlight of this session is the focus on 'calm breaks' and transitions. Learning how to maintain a poised and controlled demeanor between exercises is just as important as the movements themselves.
This class concludes with a beautiful adagio sequence, originally performed to celebrate the 74th birthday of our student, Dennis. This celebratory routine showcases how ballet serves as a lifelong pursuit of health, elegance, and community. Join us at the barre to refine your relevé, strengthen your sous-sus, and experience the joy of ballet with the Broche Ballet community.
