What You'll Learn
- Challenge your balance by practicing cambré and pliés in the center without shifting your weight off-center.
- Improve coordination by syncing port de bras through first and second positions with ton lié and enveloppé transitions.
- Strengthen the standing leg and core during ronds de jambe and dégagés by anchoring the shoulder blades.
- Focus on active floor engagement by planting the toes to facilitate better stability during weight shifts.
- Maintain consistent turnout throughout exercises, ensuring rotation remains intact through every change of feet.
About This Video
Transitioning from the support of the barre to the center of the room is one of the most challenging aspects of classical dance. This 25-minute 'Center Barre' class from Broche Ballet is designed to help you build the necessary core strength and independent balance to make that transition seamlessly. By removing the physical support of the barre, you are forced to engage your core, find your true center of gravity, and rely entirely on your own alignment.
The session follows a comprehensive sequence, starting with pliés and moving through tendus with flexes, dégagés, ronds de jambe, fondus, and développés. Each exercise is structured to challenge your equilibrium. For example, during pliés and cambré, you will learn to keep your hips from shifting too far behind your feet, ensuring your weight remains perfectly centered over your arches. The instructor provides detailed guidance on weight distribution, emphasizing the importance of keeping the body weight over the standing leg and actively engaging the toes to prevent wobbling.
Refining your port de bras coordination is another key focus of this class. You will practice syncing your arm movements through first and second positions while performing transitions like ton lié and enveloppé. By anchoring your shoulder blades and maintaining a strong, quiet upper body, you can execute movements like passé and développé with greater control and professional poise.
Maintaining consistent turnout is often difficult once a dancer loses the support of the barre. This class emphasizes active rotation, teaching you how to keep your turnout engaged through every close and change of feet. By focusing on floor engagement and the continuous use of your internal stabilizers, you will build the foundational strength necessary for moving into more advanced center combinations. Whether you are a beginner looking to test your stability or an intermediate student refining your technique, this Center Barre class provides the tools you need to move with confidence.
