Beginner Ballet Center Practice: Balancé, Port de Bras, and Adagio

Take your training away from the barre and into the center with this comprehensive 25-minute beginner ballet practice. Led by Julie at Broche Ballet, this class is designed specifically for students looking to refine their coordination and stability in the center. We begin with a tendu combination that incorporates intentional head movements, helping you build the artistry and coordination needed for more complex sequences.

A major focus of this session is the mastery of port de bras. Many beginner dancers struggle with maintaining their arm positions once they lose the support of the barre. You will learn the importance of keeping the second arm strong and supported from the armpit, ensuring your upper body remains stable and elegant during transitions.

We break down the adagio, focusing on intricate port de bras details and the transition into a piqué sous-sus. The class also dives deep into the mechanics of the balancé. Transitioning into a balancé from sous-sus requires precise weight placement; Julie explains how to pick up the foot into cou-de-pied and develop the movement to the side with control.

This is paired with exercises on walking and stepping techniques. Instead of merely stepping onto a bent leg, you will practice reaching and pushing with the toe to maintain a flat, stable foot and proper alignment. Finally, we work on the tombé pas de bourrée into sous-sus, a classic combination used to build momentum and find balance.

By falling from a high point into a controlled one-legged balance, you develop the proprioception necessary for center work. We conclude with a rond de jambe sequence to B+ and a final curtsy, leaving you with a deeper understanding of ballet technique and execution. Whether you are practicing at home or in the studio, this class provides the foundational tools to dance with confidence and grace.