What You'll Learn
- How to execute crisp footwork and stable en pointe positions.
- The use of épaulement and port de bras to define a specific character.
- Techniques for maintaining phrasing and musicality during a solo variation.
- How to transition smoothly between dynamic jumps and sustained balances.
About This Video
In this captivating performance from the 2024 International Adult Ballet Festival (IABF), Catie Wells brings the ethereal Winter Fairy variation from Cinderella to life. This variation is a masterclass in combining technical precision with atmospheric storytelling. For dancers at Broche Ballet, observing such performances is an essential part of developing a performer's eye and understanding how classical variations are executed on stage.
The Winter Fairy variation is known for its delicate yet sharp movements, mirroring the nature of ice and snow. As you watch Catie, pay close attention to her en pointe work. The clarity of her relevé and the stability of her arabesque demonstrate the strength required to maintain a light, airy appearance.
The choreography demands a high level of control, particularly in the transitions between jumping sequences like sauté and assemblé, and the more sustained, fluid moments of the solo. Artistically, the Winter Fairy must convey a sense of cold elegance. Notice how Catie uses her port de bras and head placement to create a character that is both regal and otherworldly.
For the intermediate or advanced dancer, this video serves as a perfect example of how to maintain technical integrity while fully inhabiting a role. Whether you are working on your own variation or simply looking to improve your épaulement, there is much to be gleaned from this performance. At Broche Ballet, we believe that watching high-quality ballet is just as important as time spent at the barre.
Analyzing the phrasing and musicality of a seasoned dancer like Catie Wells can help you visualize the correct execution of complex steps. Use this performance as inspiration for your next class, focusing on the lift in your torso and the precision of your footwork.
