What You'll Learn
- The mechanics of a quick and precise head spot during multiple rotations
- How to coordinate the leg whip with a deep plié for maximum momentum
- Techniques for maintaining your center and staying forward over your legs
- Drills for executing consistent fouettés on both the right and left sides
- Strategies for landing cleanly in various positions to finish your turns
About This Video
Mastering the fouetté rond de jambe en tournant is a milestone for every serious ballet dancer. These iconic turns, often the centerpiece of a grand coda, require a perfect blend of strength, timing, and most importantly, spotting. In this 15-minute advanced turning class from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of the head and eyes to help you maintain balance and control during multiple rotations.
The core of a successful fouetté is a sharp, precise spot. Our instructor breaks down the movement, teaching you how to keep your eyes focused on a single point as long as possible before whipping the head around to find it again. This rapid flip of the head is what prevents dizziness and ensures that your body stays aligned over your supporting leg.
Throughout the drills, you will be reminded to keep your weight forward, avoiding the common mistake of leaning back, which can throw off your center of gravity. In addition to the head movement, this class focuses on the critical coordination between the legs and the torso. You will practice adding the powerful whip of the working leg to a deep, controlled plié.
This synchronization is what generates the momentum needed to carry you through several turns without losing steam. We also cover how to pull the core in and open the arms correctly to assist the rotation. Consistency is key in ballet, which is why this lesson includes exercises for both the right and left sides.
By training both directions, you develop a more balanced physique and a deeper understanding of the physics behind the turn. Finally, we explore various ways to finish the movement. Whether you choose to land in the back, the front, or transition into a final pirouette, you will learn the stability required for a clean, professional finish.
Join Broche Ballet for this focused practice and take your turning technique to the next level.
