What You'll Learn
- How to maintain balance and stability during center exercises without a barre for support.
- The secret to coordinating arm and leg movements in perfect timing for fluid dancing.
- Proper execution of fondu and développé to build lower body strength and control.
- Mastering the grand battement in multiple directions while maintaining a stable core.
- Correct alignment for key positions including arabesque and cou-de-pied.
About This Video
Transitioning from the support of the barre to the center is one of the most significant milestones for a beginner ballet student. At Broche Ballet, we call this practice "barre without the barre"—a specialized session designed to build the core stability, coordination, and confidence needed to dance freely. This class focuses on the mechanics of balance by removing physical support, forcing the body to rely on its own alignment and internal muscular engagement.
Throughout the class, we focus heavily on the relationship between timing and coordination. You will learn how to sync your port de bras with your leg movements, ensuring that the arms and legs move in perfect harmony. This is particularly important when executing a fondu or a développé.
In the center, a fondu requires a deep sense of "melting" while maintaining a strong vertical axis, while the développé demands control and sustained leg height. By practicing these without a barre, you develop a more functional understanding of your center of gravity. The routine also includes grand battement and cou-de-pied exercises.
Performing a grand battement in the center—whether to the front, side, or back—is a test of both strength and weight placement. You will practice bringing the arms together and stretching them out into an elongated allongé position as the leg strikes out, a movement that requires precise timing. We also touch upon the sous-sous position, emphasizing the importance of keeping the legs tightly crossed and the ankles strong to maintain a steady silhouette.
Finally, the class explores the iconic arabesque position. Balancing on one leg while the other is extended behind you requires a lifted chest and an engaged back. By the end of this Broche Ballet tutorial, you will have the tools to transition smoothly between positions with elegance and poise.
This practice is essential for anyone looking to move beyond basic exercises and embrace the true artistry of center-floor combinations.
