What You'll Learn
- How to use a deep plié to generate momentum for controlled soutenu turns.
- The mechanics of weight transfer in pas de bourrée and pas de basque transitions.
- Techniques for maintaining balance in center passé and arabesque positions.
- The importance of spotting and arm placement for stable, successful rotations.
- Traditional ballet etiquette and closing rituals through the practice of révérence.
About This Video
Welcome to this focused center practice from Broche Ballet, designed to help dancers bridge the gap between static positions and dynamic movement. This session focuses specifically on the mechanics of turning, using the soutenu and pas de bourrée to build the necessary momentum for controlled, graceful rotations. In the center, we lose the physical support of the barre, which means our core engagement and vertical alignment become even more critical to success.
We begin the class by establishing our center of gravity through a series of pliés and tendus. These exercises aren't just warm-ups; they are essential for feeling how your weight shifts between your feet without a handrail to lean on. From there, we transition into sequences involving passé and arabesque, testing your stability and ability to hold a line in open space.
A major highlight of this lesson is the breakdown of the soutenu turn. Many dancers struggle with falling out of turns, so we focus on the preparation—using a deep, elastic plié to initiate upward energy. You will learn how to pull into a tight, secure sous-sus position at the peak of the movement, ensuring a clean finish.
We also explore the pas de bourrée and pas de basque, emphasizing the rhythm and precise footwork that allows for fluid transitions between combinations. Throughout the video, your Broche Ballet instructor provides real-time technical corrections, specifically targeting common pitfalls like dropping the back arm or losing focus during a turn. We emphasize the importance of spotting to maintain equilibrium and direction.
The class concludes with a traditional révérence, featuring elegant bows and curtsies. This practice honors the history of the art form while allowing you to acknowledge your progress. Whether you are a beginner dancer finding your footing away from the barre or an intermediate student looking to refine your turning mechanics, this tutorial provides the technical foundation needed to dance with confidence.
