What You'll Learn
- Techniques to maintain turnout during the transition between relevé and flat.
- How to reduce barre reliance by optimizing hand placement and body stacking.
- The 'brush and hold' adagio method for improved stability in complex movements.
- Specialized frappé sequences on demi-pointe to build calf strength and articulation.
About This Video
Welcome to a rigorous 40-minute Broche Ballet technique session dedicated to one of the most fundamental yet challenging aspects of classical dance: the demi-pointe balance. This class is designed for dancers who want to move beyond basic positions and develop the 'spicy' strength required for advanced center work and turns. The lesson begins at the barre, where we focus on maintaining pristine turnout while transitioning through relevé.
A common pitfall for dancers is losing the rotation of the hip when rising or lowering; here, you will learn to push the heels forward actively to keep that turnout engaged. We explore a variety of exercises including tendu, dégagé, and fondu. Note that in ballet, the term fondu refers to a melting action that is crucial for building the eccentric strength needed for stable landings and powerful jumps.
One of the highlights of this session is the 'brush and hold' technique during adagio. This method forces the body to find its center of gravity instantly, preparing you for complex movements like Italian fouettés. We also introduce specialized frappé exercises performed entirely on demi-pointe.
This not only builds incredible calf endurance but also teaches the upper body to remain quiet and poised while the legs execute rapid, sharp movements. To truly test your stability, we focus on reducing barre reliance. By adjusting your hand placement—placing the thumb parallel to the barre rather than gripping it—you will learn to stack your head and shoulders correctly over your standing foot.
This alignment is the key to finding your sous-sous and retiré balances without needing external support. Whether you are working toward your first pair of pointe shoes or looking to sharpen your professional technique, this class provides the tools to build a rock-solid foundation through mindful practice and technical precision.
