What You'll Learn
- How to keep shoulders parallel and level during cambre side movements.
- Techniques for holding turnout and alignment during a développé to the side.
- Artistic port de bras coordination, including the use of eye focus and gaze.
- Execution of tombé and chassé while maintaining upper body control.
- Strengthening the spine to improve balance when moving without the barre.
About This Video
Stepping into the center of the room is one of the most challenging transitions for any dancer. Without the support of the barre, maintaining your turnout and alignment requires a deeper level of core engagement and body awareness. In this 16-minute beginner center practice with Broche Ballet, we dive into the technical nuances that help you feel stable and graceful away from the support of the rail. This class is specifically designed to help adult learners find their center of gravity while maintaining the aesthetic requirements of classical dance.
The lesson begins by focusing on port de bras and proper body alignment. You will learn the importance of keeping your shoulders parallel to one another, especially when performing cambre movements. Often, beginners struggle with twisting or dropping a shoulder; this class provides specific cues to help you keep your level spine and upper body square. By practicing cambre to the side, you will build the strength and awareness necessary to maintain your balance in more complex poses later in your training. The key to maintaining balance in any pose is to straighten your back using all the work done during your side-bending exercises.
As we progress into développé to the side, the instructor emphasizes the mechanics of holding your turnout. Keeping your shoulders parallel to the floor while the leg extends is a key challenge that we tackle here. We also explore the tombé, where you will learn to coordinate your gaze—looking under the arm and then back toward the spotlight to engage your audience and enhance your stage presence. Performance and gaze are just as vital as footwork, and this class teaches you to look where you want the audience to look.
The class concludes with an expressive port de bras sequence involving chassé and graceful arm movements. You will practice the artistry of stretching forward and gathering imaginary flowers, a beautiful metaphor for connecting with your audience. This practice helps you use your whole body, from your fingertips to your focus, to create a cohesive performance. Whether you are practicing at home or in a studio, this Broche Ballet session will help you find the strength to hold your turnout and the confidence to move beautifully in the center.
