What You'll Learn
- How to maintain stability and core control during barre exercises without physical support.
- The mechanics of the fondu and how to use it as a transition into traveling steps.
- Correct execution of beginner turns including the piqué and soutenu.
- Coordination of the pas de bourrée and waltz steps with proper musical timing.
- Techniques for sustaining balance in an arabesque while moving through the center.
About This Video
In this comprehensive 60-minute session from Broche Ballet, we strip away the traditional support of the wooden rail to focus on the core of balletic strength: independent balance. This 'barre without the barre' format is an excellent way for beginner students to verify their weight placement and posture without the crutch of leaning on furniture or a portable barre. By finding your center of gravity early in the workout, you build the stabilizing muscles necessary for advanced center work.
The class begins with essential exercises such as the plié, tendu, and dégagé, all performed in the center of the room. Our instructor provides detailed feedback on how to maintain a vertical axis and engage the supporting leg correctly. A major focus of this lesson is the fondu—the 'melting' movement that serves as the engine for many ballet transitions. You will learn the crucial distinction between which leg is bent and which is straight during complex steps, ensuring your movements are both anatomically correct and aesthetically pleasing.
As we progress, the class introduces more complex coordination through the pas de cheval and pas de bourrée. The instructor breaks down the mechanics of weight transfer, showing you how to move from a stable balance into a fluid step by staying grounded in your fondu. This foundation is then applied to turning movements, specifically the soutenu and piqué turns, where focus and concentration are vital for success.
The center work portion of the class is fast-paced and engaging, featuring waltz sequences that encourage dancers to move through space with grace. You will practice a series of balances and arabesques, learning to sustain your line even as the musical tempo picks up. By the time we reach the final révérence, you will have a deeper understanding of how to control your body in space. This class is perfect for dancers practicing at home who want to build the confidence to move away from the barre and dance with true freedom.
