What You'll Learn
- How to use flexing in grand battement to improve turnout and femur placement
- The mechanics of pas de cheval for improved foot articulation and speed
- Maintaining balance and shoulder alignment during passé and relevé
- Proper relationship between the heel and toes to maximize hip turnout
- Using core strength rather than toe power to lift the leg in grand battement
About This Video
Welcome to a detailed beginner ballet class at Broche Ballet, where we focus on the foundational elements that build a strong and graceful dancer. In this 46-minute session, we take a deep dive into the barre, specifically targeting the pas de cheval and the mechanics of the grand battement. Our goal is to help you understand how your body moves so you can achieve better turnout, stability, and height in your extensions.
One of the unique aspects of this class is our focus on using a flexed foot during grand battements. While it might seem counterintuitive to flex in ballet, this technique is a powerful tool for feeling the rotation of the femur bone within the hip socket. By flexing, you can more easily identify if your turnout is coming from the hip or if you are compensating with your lower leg.
This awareness allows you to situate the femur bone properly, which is the secret to getting a higher leg without sacrificing alignment. Throughout the exercises, we emphasize the relationship between the heel and the toes. Whether you are performing a simple plié or a complex pas de cheval, maintaining this relationship is vital for authentic turnout.
We also work extensively on the passé position and relevé. You will learn how to maintain a fast foot to transition into passé quickly and how to use your standing shoulder and core strength to find balance at the barre. Remember, in ballet, it is not about how high the leg goes, but about the quality of the movement and the integrity of your posture.
Even if your grand battement is lower, focusing on the shape of your turnout will lead to better results in the long run. This class is designed to provide you with the technical tools needed to progress confidently in your ballet journey. Grab your barre and let’s begin this journey toward precision and strength together.
