What You'll Learn
- Apply the rounded arm rule for classical port de bras alignment in the center.
- Master the heel swivel in pas de bourrée en tournant for full, controlled rotation.
- Coordinate piqué passé timing between the arms and legs for effortless elevation.
- Refine écarté front placement using the 'ponytail pull' counterbalance technique.
- Improve turnout during developpé closures by utilizing a forward heel scoop.
About This Video
Elevate your center practice with this 18-minute technical breakdown from Broche Ballet, specifically designed for intermediate dancers. Transitioning from the barre to the center requires a heightened sense of balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. This session focuses on two fundamental components of a classical ballet class: a complex tendu combination and a lyrical adage sequence.
We begin by dissecting a center tendu combination that challenges your footwork and upper body coordination. A primary focus of this lesson is the "rounded arm rule" for port de bras. This classical principle dictates that the opposite arm usually matches the front leg, while the same arm matches the back leg to maintain a balanced and harmonious line.
Mastering this rule is essential for developing the professional silhouette of a seasoned dancer. As we move into more dynamic movements, you will learn the mechanics of the pas de bourrée en tournant. The secret to a clean rotation lies in the feet; we emphasize the essential heel swivel through first position as you face the back of the room.
This technique ensures you maintain maximum turnout and control throughout the turn. Additionally, we explore the piqué passé, focusing on the precise timing required to reach the peak of the movement with both the working leg and the arms simultaneously. The second half of the class transitions into a beautiful adage.
Here, we delve into the nuances of écarté front placement. To achieve a stunning line, we utilize the "ponytail pull" imagery—pulling the upper back and head away from the working leg to create a wide, counterbalanced silhouette. You will also practice controlled developpé and enveloppé movements, with a specific focus on "scooping" the heel forward during closures to keep the hips open and the turnout active.
Whether you are working on your pas de cheval or refining your sous-sus, this class provides the technical corrections needed to move with grace and authority. We conclude with a formal révérence, allowing you to integrate these technical points into a final, polished expression of dance.
