What You'll Learn
- Mastering expressive port de bras to convey character and emotion.
- Improving stability in arabesque by engaging the standing shoulder.
- Refining the coordination of enveloppé and développé en croix.
- Developing foot speed and precision through rhythmic battements.
- Maintaining proper turnout and alignment in cou-de-pied and passé.
About This Video
Step into the world of 'La Esmeralda' with this specialized 40-minute ballet barre class from Broche Ballet. This session is designed for dancers who want to bridge the gap between technical exercises and performance-quality movement. Throughout the class, we focus on the spirited and expressive nature of character ballet while maintaining the rigorous alignment required for classical technique.
Our practice begins with a grounding series of pliés and moves through essential barre work, including tendus and dégagés. A core focus of this lesson is the relationship between the upper and lower body. You will learn to maintain a stable, engaged standing shoulder even as the working leg reaches high into an arabesque or a développé.
We emphasize the importance of port de bras, ensuring that every arm movement conveys the correct emotion and complements the footwork. Intermediate students will find particular value in our sequences involving battements and enveloppés. We focus on the quality of the 'brush' through the floor, ensuring quick, light transitions that build foot strength and speed.
The instructor provides detailed cues on cou-de-pied and passé positions, helping you find the perfect turnout and heel placement. By the end of this 40-minute practice, you will have a deeper understanding of how to use fundamental movements like the fifth position plié to power more complex sequences. Whether you are practicing at home or in the studio, this Esmerelda-themed barre offers a unique opportunity to refine your alignment and infuse your dancing with the fiery grace of one of ballet's most iconic roles.
