What You'll Learn
- The signature 'wavy' finger technique and port de bras of the Candide Fairy.
- How to maintain fluidity in the arms while transitioning into a stable arabesque.
- Techniques for softening the hands and using fingers to lead directional changes.
- The stylistic difference between executing turns on flat versus piqué en relevé.
- How to use musicality to enhance the expressive quality of your finger movements.
About This Video
Step into the enchanted world of Tchaikovsky’s most famous ballet with Broche Ballet’s deep dive into the Candide Fairy (The Fairy of the Crystal Fountain) from The Sleeping Beauty. This 49-minute practice session is meticulously designed to help dancers move beyond basic steps and find the artistry hidden within the fingers and hands. In the prologue of this classic ballet, each fairy brings a gift to Princess Aurora; the Candide Fairy brings the gift of purity, often expressed through a unique, fluid port de bras that mimics the shimmering water of a fountain.
This class focuses on the intricate finger placement and 'weighty' hand movements required to capture this character's essence. You will explore how to transition smoothly through an allongé line into an arabesque, ensuring that the energy flows all the way through your fingertips. The instructor breaks down the 'wavy' hand motion, teaching you how to roll the fingers in coordination with the elbows to avoid stiffness and create a soft, ethereal appearance.
We also discuss the technical choices behind executing movements on flat versus piqué en relevé, allowing you to prioritize control and expression as you build muscle memory. By the end of this session, you will have a deeper understanding of how detail-oriented port de bras can transform a performance from a series of steps into a storytelling masterpiece. Whether you are practicing at home or in the studio, this class provides the technical guidance needed to execute this challenging variation with grace and precision.
