What You'll Learn
- How to launch internal momentum using coordinated shoulder and elbow movements
- Techniques for keeping the pelvis and sternum aligned to maintain balance
- Progressive drills for practicing quarter, half, and full en dehors pirouettes
- Methods for transitioning smoothly from a plié preparation into a controlled turn
About This Video
Mastering the pirouette is a journey of finding the perfect balance between strength and momentum. In this focused practice session from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of en dehors pirouettes starting from 5th position. Unlike turns that rely on a heavy external push, this class teaches you how to generate power from within your own center, allowing for more grace and consistency in your dance.
We begin with essential balancing exercises that set the foundation for a stable turn. By finding your verticality in a clean relevé, you prepare your body for the rotational forces to come. The instructor emphasizes a crucial technical detail: the alignment of the pelvis and the sternum.
When these two parts of the body move in unison, you maintain a solid core that resists wobbling during the turn. A key highlight of this tutorial is the focus on launching momentum. You will learn how to use your shoulders and elbows strategically—thinking of one elbow moving forward while the other moves back—to create a clean, controlled rotation.
This internal generation of speed is what separates a forced turn from a professional-looking pirouette. Throughout the lesson, we practice various increments: quarter turns, half turns, and full singles. This incremental approach allows you to troubleshoot your alignment at every stage before attempting doubles.
We also touch upon the transition from a deep plié into the turn, ensuring that your preparation supports your height and speed. At Broche Ballet, we believe that turning is a skill developed through play and exploration. This session concludes with a playtime period, encouraging you to experiment with your newfound understanding of momentum.
Whether you are practicing at home or in the studio, these drills will help you take ownership of your technique and find the power from within that every dancer strives for.
