What You'll Learn
- How to build a stable foundation for en dehors pirouettes using half-turn drills.
- Techniques for finding and maintaining your internal axis and center of gravity.
- Effective spotting methods to maintain balance and prevent dizziness during turns.
- Drills to transition smoothly from tendu and plié into a high passé position.
- How to maintain a vertical spine and open hips while generating turning momentum.
About This Video
In this second installment of our four-part turning series at Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of the en dehors pirouette. Turning is often one of the most intimidating aspects of ballet for adult beginners, but by breaking it down into manageable drills, we transform that intimidation into confidence. This class focuses on building a 'home base'—a strong, repeatable position that serves as the foundation for every turn you will ever perform.
We begin with a focus on structural alignment. To execute a successful pirouette, your body must be perfectly stacked. The instructor guides you through exercises emphasizing an open knee placed directly behind the hip, a flat engagement across the front of the hips, and a strictly vertical spine.
By mastering these details in a static position first, you prepare your muscles to maintain that same integrity once momentum is added. A key component of this lesson is the concept of the internal axis. Imagine a pole running from the tip of your nose down through the arch of your standing foot.
This visualization is crucial for understanding your center of gravity. You will practice 'momentum playtime,' where we explore how to move up and down this axis without falling off center. We use variations from tendu front and plié to find that verticality during the transition into a passé or retiré position.
Furthermore, we tackle the art of spotting. Spotting is more than just whipping the head; it is the secret to staying balanced and oriented in space. Through half-turn drills, you will learn how to coordinate your eyes with your body's rotation.
Whether you are pushing from a plié or closing into a fifth position, these drills are designed to help you groove the correct movement patterns into your muscle memory. Join us at the barre as we demystify the turning process and help you find your center.
