What You'll Learn
- How to generate internal momentum from the core and upper body
- Coordination techniques for the pelvis and sternum to maintain a vertical axis
- Using the elbows and shoulder blades to drive power and control in turns
- Specific plié drills designed to improve balance during half and full rotations
- Strategies for experimental practice to master singles, doubles, and halves
About This Video
In this 17-minute technique-focused class from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of the en dehors pirouette from 5th position. Turning in ballet is often misunderstood as a purely physical feat of strength or balance, but it is actually a sophisticated coordination of internal momentum and skeletal alignment. This session moves beyond the basic tutorial and explores the 'why' behind successful turns, giving you the tools to find consistency in your practice.
One of the core concepts you will explore is generating momentum from within. Instead of simply pushing off the floor, we focus on how the upper body—specifically the shoulder blades and elbows—initiates the rotational force. By practicing side plié exercises that incorporate half turns, you will learn to push one elbow forward or pull the other back to find the perfect amount of power for your turn.
This nuanced approach helps dancers avoid the common mistake of 'throwing' the body into a turn, which often leads to a loss of balance and a broken line. Furthermore, the instructor emphasizes the critical relationship between the pelvis and the sternum. For a stable axis, these two points must move together in the same direction.
When the core is unified, the pirouette becomes more efficient and controlled. Throughout the drills, you will be encouraged to maintain a strong relevé and a clean passé position, ensuring that your foundation is as solid as your rotation. The class concludes with a period of experimentation and play.
Whether you are working on mastering a single pirouette or challenging yourself with doubles, the goal is to be curious about your body's capabilities. By treating turning as a skill to be explored rather than a hurdle to be cleared, you will build the confidence necessary to execute beautiful, effortless turns in any center combination. Join us at Broche Ballet as we refine your technique and help you find your center.
