What You'll Learn
- How to use shoulder anchoring to maintain a square torso during extensions
- Strategies for aligning the head over the standing foot for superior balance
- The 'seesaw action' technique for maintaining posture in grand rond de jambe
- How to execute complex footwork across long combinations that link both sides
- Maintenance of turnout and hip alignment during slow fondu and developpé
About This Video
In this 24-minute beginner-level center barre class, Broche Ballet instructor Lauren guides you through a session designed to build core stability and coordination. Moving away from the support of the barre is a significant milestone for any dancer, and this class provides the technical tools necessary to feel confident in the center. " This technique helps dancers maintain a square torso, preventing the common mistake of twisting the body during leg extensions like arabesque.
You will learn how to use the opposite shoulder as a stabilizing force, ensuring that your alignment remains pure even as the movement becomes more complex. Additionally, Lauren emphasizes the importance of head placement, teaching you to keep your weight strictly over the standing foot to maintain a solid center of gravity during lateral movements. The curriculum covers a full range of classical ballet exercises, starting with grounded plié and moving into articulate tendu sequences.
As the class progresses, you will tackle dégagé with petite developpé and piqué, challenging your footwork precision. One of the technical highlights is mastering the "seesaw action" required for a successful grand rond de jambe. This concept is essential for maintaining an upright, regal posture while the leg travels from front to back through the air.
Furthermore, this class is excellent for building endurance. Unlike traditional barre exercises that often pause between sides, these combinations integrate both the right and left sides within a single musical phrase. This requires heightened spatial awareness and mental focus.
You will also work on slow, controlled fondu and developpé sequences, learning to "push the knee out of the way" of the hip to maximize turnout and extension height. Whether you are looking to refine your technique or prepare for full center work, this Beginner Center Barre class offers a comprehensive workout that prioritizes stability and fluid transitions.
