What You'll Learn
- Correct port de bras positioning for tendu, développé, and arabesque.
- The art of allongé to lengthen your lines and improve stability.
- Coordinating arm movements during center work and double piqué turns.
- Maintaining proper shoulder alignment and core activation throughout class.
About This Video
Welcome to a comprehensive 74-minute full ballet class from Broche Ballet. This session is specifically designed to bridge the gap between simple footwork and the expressive power of the upper body. While many beginner classes focus heavily on the feet, this practice prioritizes the 'port de bras'—the carriage of the arms—to help you achieve a truly polished and professional look from the start.
We begin at the barre, where we break down the mechanics of arm positioning during fundamental movements like tendu and développé. Many adult dancers struggle with where their arms should be during these transitions. Our instructor provides minute details on how to move from first position to second without losing the structural integrity of the 'frame.' You will learn how correct arm placement contributes directly to your overall balance and how to keep your shoulders properly aligned and relaxed even during challenging sequences.
A key focus of this class is the 'allongé'—the lengthening of the arms at the end of a movement. We explore how this simple extension can dramatically improve your line in an arabesque and help stabilize your center of gravity. We also address common pitfalls, such as dropping the arms too quickly during transitions, and provide cues to help you maintain a continuous flow of energy through your fingertips.
In the center, we apply these principles to more dynamic movements. You will practice the soutenu and learn the intricate coordination required for double piqué turns. The lesson emphasizes timing: specifically, how the arms should wait and move in unison to create a clean, harmonious aesthetic. By focusing on the coordination between your upper and lower body, you will develop the muscle memory needed for more advanced choreography. Whether you are a new dancer or looking to polish your fundamentals, this class offers the technical depth needed to transform your dancing.
