What You'll Learn
- Refine rhythmic footwork using the pas de basque and balancé.
- Learn the mechanics of the character chug and stylized skipping steps.
- Build cardiovascular stamina through repetitive dance combinations.
- Integrate sauté arabesque into energetic character sequences.
About This Video
Welcome to a high-energy fusion of traditional stagecraft and modern fitness with our Character Dance Cardio class at Broche Ballet. Character dance is an essential part of the classical ballet repertoire, bringing folk-inspired rhythms and stylized movements to life in iconic ballets like Swan Lake and Don Quixote. In this 25-minute session, instructor Julie guides you through a cardiovascular workout that blends these expressive steps with a heart-pumping pace.
The class begins with a review of foundational character movements. You will refine your pas de basque, focusing on the specific rhythmic qualities and earthy energy that differentiate it from its strictly classical counterpart. We also revisit the balancé and sauté arabesque, ensuring you have a strong technical base before ramping up the intensity.
A highlight of this session is the introduction of the 'chug' step and stylized skips. The chug—a distinctive movement where the dancer scoots forward or backward while mimicking the weight and flair of a traditional character skirt—adds a playful and rhythmic challenge to your coordination. As the class progresses, we weave these individual steps into complex, repeatable combinations.
This repetitive structure is specifically designed to build stamina and muscular endurance. Character dance requires a unique type of coordination, often emphasizing syncopation and a grounded presence. By combining pas de basque with sauté sequences and rhythmic skips, you will work your heart and lungs while honing your performance artistry.
This session is designed to be high-impact, but it is highly adaptable to your home environment. Whether you are practicing in a studio, on a rug at home, or even wearing sneakers for extra support, the focus remains on movement quality and musicality. Julie encourages dancers to move at their own pace and embrace the joy of movement, making this an excellent choice for those looking to improve their overall ballet fitness.
Join us at Broche Ballet to discover how character dance can transform your coordination and boost your cardio health.
