Beginner Ballet Class: Master Port de Bras and Coordination

In this 40-minute beginner ballet session, Julie leads you through a series of foundational exercises designed to harmonize your upper and lower body. The primary focus of today’s class is port de bras coordination, a vital skill for any dancer aspiring to move with professional fluidity and poise. Many adult beginners find that their arms often feel like an afterthought or, conversely, become a source of tension that disrupts their balance.

At Broche Ballet, we believe that mastering the arms is just as important as mastering the feet. During this practice, we tackle common challenges head-on, such as the tendency for the arms to float or lift too high during leg extensions. You will work through classic barre movements, including battement and arabesque, while receiving specific cues on arm placement.

One of the most important technical takeaways from this lesson is the counter-intuitive secret to a high leg: keeping the arm low and stable. By resisting the urge to lift the arm as the leg rises, you create a longer, more stable line that actually makes the leg appear higher to the audience. We also dive deep into the mechanics of the développé and the necessity of a crisp, clean brush of the toe against the floor.

This brush is the secret to maintaining your center of gravity during transitions between movements like extend and close. Throughout the class, Julie emphasizes mental focus and preparation, encouraging you to think through each transition before it happens. Whether you are working on a stable relevé or practicing the coordination of a grand battement, this class provides the nuanced technical corrections needed to refine your artistry.

By focusing on these often-overlooked details, you will build the muscle memory required for more advanced combinations. Join us for this focused practice and discover how intentional port de bras can transform your entire ballet technique.