What You'll Learn
- Proper alignment and hip placement for stretches in devant, à la seconde, and arabesque
- Techniques for relaxing the nervous system to achieve deeper, safer stretches without force
- How to maintain the correct line and foot shape during arabesque barre work
- Utilizing the demi-plié to enhance the effectiveness of leg and hip stretches
- Safe execution of cambré movements while maintaining balance and barre support
About This Video
Welcome to this focused flexibility session at Broche Ballet, where we dive deep into essential barre stretches designed to open up your body and refine your technique. This class is structured to help you find more space in your joints and better alignment in your extensions, focusing on the three primary directions: devant, à la seconde, and derrière. We begin with stretching devant, placing the leg on the barre.
The instructor emphasizes the importance of the standing leg's demi-plié to help square the hips and access a deeper stretch. A key takeaway from this session is the philosophy of stretching: instead of forcing your body to touch a specific spot or reach a certain depth, the focus remains on relaxing into the areas where you feel tension. This mindfulness helps regulate the nervous system, allowing the muscles to release more effectively.
As we transition to à la seconde, you will work on your lateral flexibility. Again, the use of the demi-plié and the barre for stability allows for a controlled, safe environment to explore your range of motion. We then move into the arabesque, perhaps the most challenging position for many dancers.
Here, you will learn how to maintain the correct shape of the foot and prevent it from creeping down the barre. Proper hip alignment is crucial; keeping the hips forward while performing pliés under the leg ensures you are stretching the correct muscle groups without compromising your spine. Finally, the class touches on the cambré derrière.
This movement requires core engagement and a relaxed nervous system to ensure the back remains supple and supported. By the end of this class, you will have a better understanding of how to use the barre as a tool for growth, improving your overall lines and ease of movement in center work.
