What You'll Learn
- How to distinguish between big beats, little beats, and huge beats in various musical styles.
- The role of subdivision in defining the quality and timing of ballet movements.
- Practical techniques for 'grooving' and using body percussion to feel the tempo.
- Strategies to 'drop in' to a song and find the count without hesitation.
About This Video
Musicality is the invisible partner of every dancer. In this introductory class from Broche Ballet, instructor Julie breaks down the fundamental skills needed to understand and count music with confidence. Many dancers struggle with finding the 'one' or staying on the beat during complex combinations at the barre or in the center.
This lesson demystifies those challenges by teaching you how to listen actively and respond physically to what you hear. We explore the concept of different types of beats, including 'big beats' that drive your overall speed and 'little beats,' or subdivisions, that inform the quality and texture of your movement. By understanding subdivisions, you can transform a simple plié or tendu into a more nuanced and expressive action.
You will learn the 'grooving' technique—using body percussion and toe tapping to internalize the rhythm before you even start to dance. This approach helps you develop the intuition to drop into any piece of music, whether it is a classical waltz or a contemporary track, and immediately identify the count. We also discuss how huge beats can make complex music feel less stressful by providing larger landmarks for your movement.
Whether you are preparing for your first class or looking to refine your artistry, mastering these musical fundamentals is essential. By the end of this session, you will have a toolkit for exploring music through platforms like Spotify or YouTube, allowing you to practice your timing anywhere. Join us at Broche Ballet to bridge the gap between hearing the music and truly dancing with it.
