What You'll Learn
- Master the synchronization of head 'flips' with weight transfers to improve turn stability.
- Develop Vaganova-style fouetté technique by coordinating head tilts with leg transitions.
- Enhance adagio stability through eye focus and maintaining a strong vertical axis.
- Build a deeper core connection by intentionally shifting the gaze during center barre exercises.
About This Video
Take your classical training to the next level with this 39-minute advanced center barre class from Broche Ballet. This session is specifically designed to challenge your stability by removing the support of the barre and introducing complex head coordination and épaulement. In ballet, the head is the heaviest part of the body; learning how to coordinate its movement with your port de bras is essential for both artistry and technical control.
Throughout this class, we explore the intricate relationship between eye focus, hand placement, and the vertical axis. We begin with a series of traditional barre exercises performed entirely in the center, including demi-plié, tendu, dégagé, and rond de jambe. Unlike a standard warm-up, these exercises emphasize an exaggerated use of the head to intentionally shift your center of gravity.
You will learn to maintain a constant sense of lift through the crown of the head while grounding through your heels, a vital skill for transitions and relevé. The curriculum introduces sophisticated Vaganova-style fouetté movements, transitioning from effacé front to effacé back, requiring precise head placement to maintain equilibrium. We also delve into demanding adagio sequences that incorporate promenade, développé, and attitude positions.
By practicing these sustained movements in the center, you will build the core strength necessary for advanced combinations. A significant portion of the class is dedicated to the 'flip' of the head during weight transfers and passé changes. Mastering this timing is the secret to stable pirouettes and grand battement.
By the end of this session, you will have a deeper understanding of how to use your gaze to anchor your balance, allowing for more fluid and expressive movement across the floor. Whether you are preparing for performance or simply looking to refine your technique, this center barre offers the tools needed to achieve professional-level stability and grace.
