What You'll Learn
- Proper execution of grand battement with precise foot articulation and timing
- Correct placement of the toes, heel, and arch during coup de pied exercises
- How to maintain a strong connection to the floor by hitting a clean tendu position
- Techniques for maintaining pelvic alignment and core control during high extensions
- Understanding the rhythm and dynamics required for various barre movements
About This Video
Welcome to this focused 40-minute beginner ballet barre session with Broche Ballet. This class is dedicated to one of the most powerful movements in the ballet vocabulary: the grand battement. However, to execute a high kick with grace and control, a dancer must first master the intricate details of footwork and articulation. Throughout this practice, we emphasize that height is secondary to the quality of the movement through the floor.
We begin the lesson by revisiting the coup de pied. Often overlooked, this "striking" action of the foot requires precise toe pointing and heel placement at the ankle level. By refining this small movement, you build the foundational strength and muscle memory necessary for more advanced center work. The instructor provides detailed feedback on keeping the toes elongated and the arches engaged, ensuring a solid foundation for every step that follows.
A key highlight of this practice is the transition through tendu. To achieve a professional-looking grand battement, you must maintain a constant connection with the floor for as long as possible. We practice "hitting" the tendu position before the leg leaves the floor and again as it returns. This attention to detail ensures your movements are not just dynamic, but technically sound and aesthetically pleasing. Feeling the floor under the toes is essential for stability and power.
Throughout the barre, you will work through front, side, and back positions. We explore how to maintain proper alignment and control, even as the movements increase in height and speed. By focusing on the rhythm and timing of the grand battement, you'll learn how to use your breath and core to support your extensions without sacrificing your posture. Whether you are practicing at a professional studio or at home, this session will help you move with the intentionality of a seasoned dancer. Join Broche Ballet for this comprehensive look at foundational leg and foot movements.
