What You'll Learn
- Execute doll-like port de bras by focusing on 'unfurling' movements led by the elbow.
- Coordinate sharp movements with dissonant musical phrasing to create 'spells'.
- Explore intentional off-balance aesthetics using tombé and ton lié techniques.
- Refine head placement and gaze to exaggerate eerie, character-driven performance quality.
- Master asymmetrical choreography that focuses on mystery and suspenseful timing.
About This Video
Step into the shadows with Broche Ballet’s "Dolls & Dissonant Spells," a unique 17-minute center session designed to push the boundaries of your artistic expression. This specialized Halloween-themed class moves beyond standard technique to explore the "creepy" aesthetic of a doll coming to life. Set to the haunting, dissonant melodies of Debussy, you will learn to manipulate your movement quality to create a sense of mystery and suspense.
The core of this lesson is a sophisticated port de bras combination that challenges your coordination and musicality. Unlike traditional exercises where fluidity is paramount, this combination focuses on the contrast between sharp, staccato "spells" and the soft unfurling of the arms. You will learn to lead with the elbow to achieve an unnatural, puppet-like appearance, transitioning through first position and into striking arabesque lines.
Technical precision remains a priority as we integrate plié, relevé, and tendu sequences. We dive deep into the concept of intentional off-balance movement, utilizing tombé and ton lié to create an unsettling, swaying effect that fits the character. By playing with asymmetry and focusing on one side of the body, you will learn how to maintain the audience's attention through tension and release.
Instructor-led guidance ensures you refine your head placement and gaze, which are essential for conveying the eerie narrative of the piece. You will also practice fondu and chassé transitions that require a high degree of control to look effortlessly "broken" or doll-like. Whether you are preparing for a performance or simply want to enhance your performance artistry, this class provides the tools to use dissonant music as a trigger for specific artistic touches.
Join us at Broche Ballet to transform your center work into a captivating, theatrical experience that celebrates the darker side of classical dance.
