What You'll Learn
- How to maintain active turnout in challenging center positions to increase stability
- Techniques for building single leg power through fondu and plié drills
- The importance of hip alignment and keeping the hip 'locked' for better balance
- How to coordinate the upper body frame with lower body turnout for total control
- Specific muscle engagement cues like the heel push to prevent inward rotation
About This Video
Welcome to this Broche Ballet training session focused on mastering the delicate balance between power and alignment during center work. Many dancers struggle with stability when moving away from the barre, often losing their turnout the moment they need to generate force for a jump or a turn. This specialized class addresses the concept of single leg power by focusing on the mechanics of the fondu and the crucial role of hip alignment in maintaining a secure center.
One of the primary challenges in ballet technique is the body’s natural tendency to turn the legs inward when physical exertion is required. In this session, we break down why maintaining an active, turned-out position is essential for avoiding that weak and unstable feeling in the center. You will learn specific drills designed to keep your hip pushed in and locked, preventing the common wobbles that occur when the pelvis becomes misaligned under pressure.
By focusing on upper body carriage—keeping the shoulder down and the elbow high—you create a stable frame that supports your lower body's movements. We explore a series of foundational exercises including tendu side, plié, and stretch sequences, all designed to build deep muscle memory. A key focus of the class is the heel push and priming the knee open, actions that engage the deep rotators and ensure your turnout remains active throughout the entire range of motion.
Whether you are working on your sur le cou-de-pied or preparing for more complex center combinations, these drills provide the foundational strength and control needed for advanced technique. Through mindful practice of these fondu and balance drills, you will discover how to generate power from a place of stability rather than compromise. This lesson is perfect for dancers who feel they have reached a plateau with their center work or those who feel unstable during transitions.
