What You'll Learn
- Proper alignment and upward force for stable piqué turns.
- How to execute fluid adagio sequences with correct body directions.
- Techniques for maintaining momentum and balance in sus-sous and soutenu.
- Improving footwork speed in pas de cheval and rond de jambe movements.
- The importance of weight placement when transitioning between center exercises.
About This Video
Welcome to this comprehensive 41-minute center practice with Broche Ballet, tailored for beginner dancers ready to move away from the barre and find their own balance. In this session, we dive deep into the core components of a traditional ballet center, including balancing drills, body directions, a lyrical adagio, and an introduction to the mechanics of piqué turns. Moving to the center of the room challenges your stability and forces you to rely on your core and proper alignment, making this an essential step in your dance journey.
Our instructor breaks down the nuances of turning and pivoting, with a heavy emphasis on the physics of momentum. You will learn why it is crucial to push yourself directly over your supporting foot rather than falling to the side. We explore the concept of upward force—thinking about pushing toward the sky rather than using over force, which often leads to losing your center.
This shift in perspective is the key to mastering sus-sous turns and piqué turns with confidence. We also practice the passé, focusing on bending the leg quickly to get off the floor and pushing up to the back of the leg to create the speed necessary for a clean rotation. Beyond turns, the class covers the artistic and technical aspects of adagio and footwork.
You will refine your rond de jambe and pas de cheval, learning how these movements prepare the body for more complex sequences. We also spend time on body directions, helping you understand how to use your head and shoulders to create beautiful lines. Throughout every plié and soutenu, we emphasize the importance of timing and musicality.
By the end of this class, you will have the tools to maintain control through momentum and the technical knowledge to execute graceful, powerful center work.
