What You'll Learn
- How to utilize your arms for functional balance and guidance throughout the barre
- The 'shoulder lid' technique to maintain upper-body stability and engagement
- Techniques for generating momentum and power in jumps like the grand jeté
- Proper execution of movements en croix to ensure balanced muscle development
- Integrating core engagement and breathing to improve control and stamina
About This Video
In the world of ballet, the barre is where the foundation for every leap and turn is built. In this comprehensive 51-minute Beginner Ballet Barre class from Broche Ballet, we go beyond basic footwork to explore the intricate details of arm placement and upper-body engagement. Often, beginners focus so intently on their legs that the arms become an afterthought.
This class shifts that perspective, teaching you how to use your arms as functional tools for balance and guidance rather than just decorative elements. Our instructor guides you through a series of foundational exercises, including pliés, tendus, and dégagés performed en croix. A key focus of this session is the concept of the shoulder acting as a lid for the body.
By maintaining this downward pressure and stability in the shoulders, you create a solid frame that allows your legs to move with more freedom and precision. We also dive into the nuances of movements like allongé and passé, ensuring every position is executed with intentionality and grace. As we progress, you will learn the importance of controlled weight transfer.
Moving from one side to the other requires a deliberate shift of momentum, a skill that is vital for future center work. We also emphasize musicality and timing, helping you synchronize your movements with the rhythm. The class concludes with an introduction to the grand jeté, where you will learn to use your legs like springs to propel your body forward while maintaining the elegant arm positions practiced throughout the barre.
Whether you are practicing in a studio or at home, this class emphasizes core engagement and proper breathing to maintain energy and stability. By the end of this session, you will have a deeper understanding of how the upper and lower body work in harmony. Refine your technique and build your confidence with Broche Ballet’s expert guidance.
