What You'll Learn
- Execute the signature 'up flip' and hop sequence with precision en pointe.
- Refine attitude positions while maintaining balance and épaulement.
- Master the controlled rolling down technique for fluid transitions.
- Develop the stamina and rhythm required for sauté jumps and turns.
About This Video
The Bluebird variation, technically the Princess Florine variation from Act III of The Sleeping Beauty, is a masterclass in delicacy and precision. This practice session is designed to help you master the iconic en pointe center work associated with this celebrated role. At Broche Ballet, our mission is to make classical excellence accessible, and this tutorial breaks down the variation's most demanding elements into a repeatable practice format.
The sequence begins with the signature 'up flip' and hop movement. This requires a quick, sharp relevé and immediate control of the working leg. As you practice these repetitive hops, focus on maintaining your attitude position with a high knee and an arched foot.
The Bluebird character is characterized by bird-like lightness, which is achieved through a combination of strong ankle work and a buoyant upper body. One of the technical highlights of this practice is the rolling down through the feet on the counts of one through four. Moving from the platform of the pointe shoe back to the floor requires significant control to avoid landing heavily.
We emphasize a smooth transition that allows you to prepare for the subsequent sauté on count seven. Mastering this rolling action is what differentiates an amateur performance from a professional one, as it preserves the illusion of weightlessness. Throughout the session, you will also work on sous-sus transitions and the coordination of the arms to mimic the fluttering wings of a bird.
By practicing these turns and hops in a structured center setting, you build the specific stamina required for soloist variations. This practice is about more than just steps; it is about developing the artistry and rhythmic integrity that The Sleeping Beauty demands. Join our Broche Ballet community and take your pointe work to new heights with the Bluebird variation.
