What You'll Learn
- How to maintain balance and alignment in the center without the support of a barre.
- Coordination of port de bras with basic footwork like tendus and pliés.
- The mechanics of shifting weight through balancé and tombé movements.
- Proper execution of an arabesque and the traditional concluding révérence.
About This Video
Transitioning from the barre to the center is a milestone for every dancer. In this 13-minute session from Broche Ballet, we focus on establishing balance, core strength, and coordination. The class begins with slow, deliberate movements designed to help you find your center without the support of the barre.
We start with demi-plié and tendu exercises, emphasizing turnout and the correct articulation of the foot as it moves through the floor. As we progress, you will work through pliés in various positions, including the fourth position, which requires a strong focus on weight distribution and body alignment. The integration of port de bras is a key theme throughout this class; you will learn how to move your arms gracefully from front to side and back, synchronizing them with your lower body movements to create a cohesive dance phrase.
The class also introduces more dynamic movements. You will practice the balancé, a waltz-like step that challenges your rhythm and weight transfer, and the tombé, where you learn to fall into a step with control and grace. We explore the iconic arabesque, focusing on maintaining a strong supporting leg while extending the working leg behind the body.
To transition between movements, we practice the soutenu, helping you build the necessary skills for future turns and more complex combinations. Finally, every Broche Ballet session concludes with a traditional révérence. This slow, sweeping movement of the arms and a curtsy or bow is more than just a polite ending; it is a moment to acknowledge your hard work and the art of ballet itself.
Whether you are practicing in a home studio or a professional dance hall, this beginner center class provides the building blocks for a lifetime of beautiful dancing.
