What You'll Learn
- How to find and maintain a neutral yet active pelvic position through 'tuck and tilt' exploration.
- Techniques to keep the standing hip stable and level during leg extensions and barre exercises.
- Correct turnout mechanics for tendu front and back to maximize rotation from the hip.
- Using the demi-pointe position as a swivel point to improve rotation during temps lié.
- Anatomical cues for the knee and hip during fondu to prevent pelvic twisting.
About This Video
Elevate your dance foundation with this technical masterclass from Broche Ballet. In this 23-minute follow-along session, we move beyond the basic steps to focus on the anatomical "engine room" of the dancer: the pelvis and hips. Proper alignment is the secret to achieving a beautiful line and effortless turnout, yet it is often one of the most challenging aspects for students to master. This class is designed to help you bridge the gap between knowing the steps and executing them with professional-level precision.
The session begins with a physical exploration of the pelvis. By utilizing "tuck and tilt" movements, you will learn to identify your neutral position—an active alignment that provides the stability needed for complex movements. We explore how to maintain a square pelvis even as the legs reach their full extension, ensuring your center remains quiet and strong throughout your practice.
A primary focus of this session is standing hip opposition. You will learn to keep the standing hip still and grounded while the working leg executes exercises like tendu and rond de jambe. By emphasizing the "heel forward" lead in tendu front and "toes back" in tendu back, you reinforce correct turnout mechanics directly from the hip joint. We also dive into the nuances of temps lié, teaching you how to use the demi-pointe position as a swivel point. This technique allows you to consciously rotate the heel forward during weight transfers, preventing the common mistake of "dropping" the hip or losing turnout.
As we progress into more complex movements like fondu and transitions through fourth position, we address specific knee mechanics. You will practice swiveling the knee outward during the bending phase of fondu, particularly when moving to the back, to maintain an open hip and prevent twisting. Throughout the session, we incorporate demi-plié, cambré, and cou-de-pied to ground these technical concepts in a traditional barre context. Whether you are working toward a higher attitude or simply looking to improve your daily barre work, this anatomical approach provides the clarity needed to dance with confidence.
