What You'll Learn
- The rhythmic coordination and weight transfer of the pas de basque.
- How to execute the 'push and fall' action of a character-style balancé.
- Dynamic jumping techniques for sauté and sauté arabesque to build stamina.
- Tips for maintaining proper alignment during high-impact character movements.
- Techniques for practicing safely on various home surfaces like rugs or in sneakers.
About This Video
Step into the spirited world of character dance with our 'Character Dance Cardio' session at Broche Ballet. This 25-minute class is designed to elevate your heart rate while honing the specific stylistic nuances of character movements often found in the great classical ballets. Led by instructor Julie, this session is a perfect blend of fitness and artistry, making it an excellent addition to your weekly training routine.
Character dance is a stylized representation of traditional folk or national dances, integrated into ballet repertoire. It requires a unique type of energy and groundedness compared to purely classical work. In this workout, we focus on several key movements: the pas de basque, the balancé, and the sauté arabesque.
Unlike a traditional barre session, we take these steps and turn them into a high-impact cardio flow. We begin by breaking down the pas de basque, a quintessential character step. You will learn the rhythmic coordination required to transition your weight smoothly while maintaining the distinct character flair.
Following this, we explore the balancé, emphasizing the 'push and fall' action. Julie provides detailed instructions on picking up the back foot and pushing off with the toe to create a sense of breath and movement. As the session progresses, we introduce the sauté and sauté arabesque.
These jumping movements are designed to build explosive power and cardiovascular stamina. We focus on landing softly through the feet to protect the joints—an essential skill whether you are dancing in ballet shoes or sneakers. We even discuss how to safely perform these high-impact steps on different surfaces, such as a rug, ensuring you can keep up your practice anywhere.
Throughout the class, the focus remains on proper alignment and footwork. By repeating these sequences on both sides, you will develop muscle memory and improve your overall coordination. Join us at Broche Ballet to challenge your heart rate while mastering the intricate steps of character dance.
