What You'll Learn
- Technical nuances and phrasing of the classical Gamzatti variation
- How to project a regal and authoritative character presence through épaulement
- Observation of professional pointe work, stability, and transition steps
- Understanding the relationship between musicality and classical Petipa choreography
- Refining the use of port de bras to complement demanding lower-body work
About This Video
The Gamzatti variation from the celebrated classical ballet La Bayadère is a tour de force of technical precision and regal artistry. In this video, professional dancer Hannah Cho brings the character of Gamzatti to life, showcasing the power and elegance required for one of Marius Petipa's most demanding female roles. For students at Broche Ballet, watching a professional like Hannah perform provides an invaluable masterclass in the intersection of athletic prowess and artistic expression.
Gamzatti is a character defined by her status, pride, and confidence. This is reflected in the choreography through high relevé positions, expansive grand jetés, and sharp, clear movements. As you watch this performance, pay close attention to the stability of her pointe work and the crispness of her transitions.
Notice how she maintains a strong core and centered alignment even during complex sequences. The clarity of her dégagé and the precision of her footwork serve as a perfect example of what intermediate and advanced dancers should strive for in their own daily practice. Beyond the technical steps, Hannah's use of épaulement—the positioning of the head, neck, and shoulders—adds a layer of sophistication to the variation.
In classical ballet, the way a dancer holds their upper body often communicates more about the character than the footwork alone. Broche Ballet students can study how she transitions from a deep plié into a soaring jump or a balanced pirouette, maintaining the authoritative air that Gamzatti demands. Studying variations like Gamzatti is an essential step for dancers looking to progress from barre exercises to full performance pieces.
It requires a deep understanding of musicality, as every movement must be perfectly timed to the dramatic score. Whether you are preparing to learn this variation yourself or simply looking to refine your technique by observing a professional, Hannah Cho's performance offers a wealth of inspiration. Join us at Broche Ballet as we break down the nuances of classical repertoire to help you reach your dancing goals.
