What You'll Learn
- Master the coordination of the upper back to support high leg extensions in grand battement.
- Develop consistent foot articulation to maintain a fully pointed toe during dégagé and fondu.
- Learn correct arm placement and timing during transitions from the back to first position.
- Improve core engagement and balance through sous-sus and passé exercises.
About This Video
Welcome to a comprehensive 51-minute beginner-level barre class at Broche Ballet, designed to help dancers build a solid foundation by focusing on the intricate details of footwork and upper body alignment. This session dives deep into the mechanics of the dégagé and grand battement, ensuring that you maintain a beautifully pointed foot from the moment it leaves the floor until the moment it returns. One of the primary technical focuses of this class is the relationship between the upper back and the lower body.
You will learn how to maintain engagement in the upper back to prevent falling forward, a common challenge when performing larger movements like the grand battement. By anchoring these muscles, you create a stable frame that allows your abdominals to efficiently lift the leg without compromising your posture. Throughout the barre, we explore various exercises including plié, tendu, fondu, and développé.
Special attention is given to the cou-de-pied position, keeping it low and precise to build the strength necessary for more advanced steps. You will also practice transitions in passé and sous-sus, learning how to coordinate arm movements with leg actions—specifically timing your breath and allongé to lift back into first position gracefully. The class concludes with a dedicated stretching segment to improve flexibility and aid in muscle recovery.
Whether you are practicing from home or a studio, this lesson provides the specific verbal cues and corrections needed to refine your classical technique. By focusing on the sensation of pulling down and back to keep the leg lifted, you will develop the control and balance required for future center work. Join us at Broche Ballet for this detailed exploration of the barre.
