What You'll Learn
- Techniques for maintaining balance in center tendu and arabesque positions.
- How to coordinate fluid arm movements and allongement with rhythmic leg work.
- The timing and execution of waltz steps like the balancé and pas de bourrée.
- Tips for improving musicality and artistic expression using Gershwin's compositions.
- The correct execution of a classical révérence to conclude a ballet practice.
About This Video
Transitioning from the barre to the center is a significant milestone for any adult dancer. In this guided practice session with Broche Ballet, we focus on the foundational elements that build stability, artistry, and confidence in open space. This class is designed to help you find your center of gravity while maintaining the fluid expression that makes ballet so captivating.
We begin by grounding our weight through purposeful tendu exercises, ensuring that the connection to the floor remains strong even without the support of the barre. From there, we move into a lyrical adagio section. This part of the class emphasizes controlled movements and sustained positions like the arabesque.
You will learn to coordinate your breath with your movement, focusing on achieving a sense of allongement in the arms to create long, elegant lines. A highlight of this session is the exploration of musicality through a waltz sequence set to a lively Gershwin melody. You will practice the rhythmic balancé and the transitional pas de bourrée, learning to lean into the music and find the 'bounce' and flow inherent in the triple meter.
The instructor guides you through the nuances of épaulement, showing you how to coordinate the head and shoulders to enhance your presentation. We also address the 'dip and flow' feeling required for fluid port de bras, ensuring your upper body remains expressive while your legs provide a rhythmic, steady base. Whether you are working on your timing for fast-paced prep movements or trying to maintain consistent arm placement during complex steps, this video provides the technical cues you need.
We conclude the session with a traditional révérence, including formal curtsies, bows, and a final arm circle to honor the tradition of the dance. By the end of this practice, you will have a better understanding of how to envision your movement through space and how to marry technical precision with musical expression.
