What You'll Learn
- Master the balançoire technique for controlled and precise leg swings
- Refine grand battement with power and soft, controlled transitions
- Improve posture and alignment through expressive port de bras work
- Develop precision in rond de jambe and tendu sequences at a slow tempo
- Apply breathing and relaxation techniques to maintain focus and a steady heart rate
About This Video
In this 43-minute Slow & Gentle Ballet Barre class, Broche Ballet invites you to step away from high-speed combinations and return to the foundational principles of ballet technique. Slow movement is one of the most effective tools for a dancer, as it demands constant engagement, flawless alignment, and extreme muscular control. This session is specifically designed for intermediate to advanced dancers who wish to deepen their practice by focusing on the how and why of every movement.
The class begins with a comprehensive barre warm-up, where the instructor provides detailed corrections to help you find your center. You will work through essential exercises including tendu, plié, and rond de jambe, emphasizing the brush of the foot and the rotation of the hip. A significant portion of the class is dedicated to port de bras, ensuring that your upper body remains fluid and expressive while your lower body provides a stable foundation.
As the tempo remains calm and intentional, you will delve into more complex movements like balançoire and grand battement. The instructor offers unique insights into executing these leg swings with both power and precision. You will learn how to soften the top edge of a grand battement by using a subtle bend at the peak of the movement, allowing for a more graceful and controlled return to the floor.
This technical nuance is a hallmark of advanced artistry. The latter half of the session focuses on adagio work, incorporating arabesque and développé to build sustained strength and balance. By maintaining a steady heart rate and focusing on deep, rhythmic breathing, you will find that even the most challenging positions become more accessible.
Whether you are looking to refine your passé or improve the flow of your cambré, this class provides the space and guidance needed to elevate your dance quality. Finish your practice with a sense of accomplishment, having reinforced the muscle memory necessary for strong, beautiful ballet.