What You'll Learn
- The precise anatomical pathway of the foot and kneecap during a turn
- How to synchronize the whole body to generate controlled momentum
- Effective spotting techniques and home-friendly practice drills
- The mechanics of preparing for pirouettes from fourth and fifth position
About This Video
The pirouette is often seen as one of the most challenging yet rewarding movements in ballet. In this third class of our specialized turning series at Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of the en dehors pirouette. ' This session focuses heavily on visualization and the anatomical pathway of the foot to ensure your turns are both stable and aesthetic.
One of the primary focuses of this lesson is the literal pathway of the kneecap. ' By studying how the kneecap travels from a deep plié into the retiré position, you can create a more efficient and powerful turn. This visualization helps dancers avoid common pitfalls, such as losing their turnout or misalignment during the rotation.
Momentum is another critical element covered in this class. A successful pirouette isn't just about a strong push from the floor; it requires the entire body to come together in a synchronized effort. We discuss how to harness this energy through the core and the driving knee to create a sense of weightless rotation.
To complement this, we introduce unique spotting drills that you can even practice at home to help you master the rapid head movement needed to stay balanced. Whether you are practicing from fourth position or fifth position, the principles of alignment and spotting remain the same. This class provides the foundational drills necessary to transition from simple balances to full rotations.
By the end of this session, you will have a clearer understanding of your body’s mechanics, setting you up for success as we move into more complex turning combinations in our future lessons.
