What You'll Learn
- How to project stage presence and emotion during a solo performance.
- The importance of fluid transitions between classical ballet positions.
- How to maintain technical integrity while performing under stage lights.
- Visualizing the application of classroom techniques like port de bras and arabesque.
About This Video
Step into a world of grace and artistry with Barbara Ellender’s stunning performance of 'Enchanted' at the 2024 International Adult Ballet Festival (IABF). This piece showcases the beauty and dedication of adult ballet dancers, proving that the stage belongs to everyone who possesses the passion to dance. At Broche Ballet, we celebrate these moments as milestones in a dancer’s journey, where technical precision meets heartfelt expression.
Barbara’s performance is a masterclass in stage presence. From her initial entrance to the final pose, she demonstrates how foundational elements such as a controlled plié and a strong relevé support the ethereal quality of the choreography. Her arabesque lines and fluid port de bras capture the essence of the 'Enchanted' theme, transporting the audience into a fairy-tale setting.
For the adult student, watching a contemporary performance like this provides invaluable insight into how classroom exercises translate into a polished production. Studying performances like this helps dancers understand the importance of musicality and épaulement—the placement of the head and shoulders that adds professional polish to any routine. Notice how Barbara uses her gaze to extend the lines of her movement, a skill that is just as vital as mastering a pirouette or a tendu.
This video serves as a beautiful reminder that ballet is not just about the steps, but the story you tell through your body. The journey of an adult dancer often involves balancing technique with the courage to step onto the stage. Seeing how Barbara handles the space and coordinates her movements with the score offers a lesson in artistry that goes beyond the barre.
Every dégagé and sauté in the routine is executed with intent, reflecting the hours of practice behind the scenes. Whether you are preparing for your first recital or are a seasoned performer, Barbara Ellender’s performance at IABF 2024 is sure to inspire. It highlights the supportive community found in the world of adult ballet and the incredible heights one can reach with consistent practice.
Join us at Broche Ballet as we continue to support dancers in their pursuit of excellence, both in the studio and on the stage.