What You'll Learn
- Execute fluid allongé movements by leading with the back of the hand for more expressive port de bras.
- Maintain proper pelvis stability and femur alignment during demi plié and grand plié.
- Improve turnout during rond de jambe by focusing on showing the heel to the front.
- Coordinate the timing of arms and legs during complex fondu and développé sequences.
- Build core and supporting leg stability to power your grand battement.
About This Video
Welcome to our comprehensive 41-minute beginner ballet barre class at Broche Ballet. This session is meticulously designed to help you build a strong technical foundation while exploring the expressive qualities of classical dance. We begin with a focus on the plié, where we introduce the concept of allongé—an elongated port de bras movement that adds grace and breath to your dancing. You will learn to lead with the back of the hand, creating a sense of length that carries throughout your entire practice.
As we progress through the barre, we focus heavily on alignment and stability. During our grand plié exercises, the instructor provides detailed cues on pelvis placement and femur head alignment to ensure safety and depth. Moving into rond de jambe, we emphasize the technique of keeping the heel forward. This is crucial for maintaining external rotation (turnout) as the leg circles through the various positions. You will discover how subtle adjustments in the hip can dramatically improve your line and control.
The class also dives into the nuances of coordination. In our fondu and développé combinations, the challenge is to sync the extension of the working leg with the path of the arm, ensuring they reach full extension and return to closed positions simultaneously. We also sharpen our footwork with speed-focused dégagé and frappé exercises, preparing the lower body for more complex movements. Finally, we conclude with powerful grand battement, where you will practice pressing down into the floor through your supporting leg and arm to find the stability needed for high, controlled leg extensions. Whether you are a newcomer or a student looking to revisit the basics, this class provides the technical breakdown necessary to advance your ballet journey with confidence and artistry.
