What You'll Learn
- How to transition from a développé front into a stable lunge by pulling the hip back.
- The 'paddling' footwork technique for smoother en dedans turns and sous-sus transitions.
- Proper arm coordination and placement for balanced en dehors pirouettes.
- Techniques for maintaining upper body control during weight shifts and preparations.
- How to use the heel and lower body to find balance without gripping the torso.
About This Video
Take your center work to the next level with this comprehensive 23-minute intermediate ballet practice from Broche Ballet. This session is meticulously designed to help dancers bridge the gap between simple barre exercises and the complex coordination required for center combinations. We focus heavily on the mechanics of weight placement, ensuring that every transition—from a controlled lunge to a dynamic pirouette—is executed with professional precision.
The class begins by deconstructing the movement from a développé devant (front) into a controlled lunge. Many dancers struggle with falling into their preparation; here, you will learn the vital correction of pulling the hip back while simultaneously pushing the heel forward. This dual action creates the necessary tension to maintain upper body control and find a true center of balance. We also explore the relationship between the legs and the torso, emphasizing that stability comes from the legs rather than a tensed upper body.
As we move into rotation, the lesson covers both en dehors and en dedans movements. You will learn the specific arm pathways for an en dehors pirouette, focusing on how they mirror and support the leg's trajectory. A key highlight of this class is the 'paddling' technique for en dedans turns and transitions from a sous-sus. By pushing off with the back foot without prematurely shifting weight, you create a smoother, more rhythmic rotation that looks effortless. Throughout the practice, we incorporate tendu and fondu to maintain leg strength and plié depth.
Whether you are looking to sharpen your pirouette technique or find more stability in your adagio, this class provides the technical corrections needed to advance. By focusing on alignment and the subtle mechanics of the feet and hips, you will build the confidence to tackle more advanced center choreography with ease.
