What You'll Learn
- Techniques to maintain 'forward and up' energy in the upper back during extensions
- How to use the glutes and core to stabilize a controlled penché
- Strategies for transitioning smoothly between arabesque and cambré positions
- Proper alignment to prevent lower back pain during deep back extensions
- Exercises to improve the height and line of your leg extensions at the barre
About This Video
Elevate your ballet technique with this focused 20-minute session dedicated to the intricacies of arabesque and penché. At Broche Ballet, we understand that achieving a beautiful line in extensions requires more than just flexibility—it requires a profound understanding of upper back control and muscular engagement. This class, led by Julie, dives deep into the 'forward and up' sensation that keeps your spine long and supported even as the body tilts forward into a deep penché.
One of the most common mistakes in a penché is allowing the torso to collapse or the chest to drop toward the floor. In this practice, you will learn how to maintain an active curve in the upper back, ensuring that the movement comes from a place of strength rather than just gravity. By focusing on the diagonal reach of the working leg and the stability of the supporting side, you will find a new level of balance and poise at the barre.
We also explore the crucial transition between arabesque and penché. This movement is a true test of core and back strength. Julie guides you through specific exercises designed to wake up the glute muscles and the erector spinae, allowing for a controlled descent and a powerful return to vertical.
We also address the cambré, emphasizing that even in a back bend, the spine must lift and lengthen before it arches to avoid compression. By the end of this 20-minute focus, you will have a better grasp of how to align your hips and shoulders for maximum extension without sacrificing your technique. These barre stretches are not just about reaching a higher leg; they are about developing the functional strength necessary to prevent injury and dance with the effortless grace that defines professional ballet.
Whether you are working toward a 90-degree extension or seeking more comfort in your back-bending movements, this targeted practice offers the technical tools you need to succeed in your at-home practice.
