What You'll Learn
- How to use head placement as a guide for precise footwork and balance.
- Techniques for core engagement and 'stomach to spine' alignment en pointe.
- Proper execution and stability for pas de bourrée and arabesque in the center.
- Strategies for weight transfer and control during fondu and bourrée exercises.
About This Video
Transitioning from the barre to the center is one of the most significant and challenging milestones in a dancer's journey. This 13-minute session from Broche Ballet is meticulously designed to provide the foundational elements required to build confidence and strength as you advance from a beginner to an intermediate level. This practice session, titled "Pointe Basics: Just Center," focuses specifically on the nuances of balance and stability when the support of the barre is removed.
The lesson provides a deep dive into the technical precision required for essential movements such as the pas de bourrée and arabesque. A primary focus of this class is the often-underestimated role of head placement in ballet. You will learn how the position of the head acts as a guiding "shadow" for the feet.
By understanding where to direct your gaze and how to carry your head, you can achieve significantly more precise footwork and a more stable center of gravity. The instructor demonstrates how the head informs the rest of the body where the foot needs to land, which is critical during complex weight transfers en pointe. Alignment and core engagement are emphasized throughout the practice.
You will receive detailed corrections on how to keep your stomach "attached" to your spine, a cue that helps ensure your center remains supported and lifted during challenging exercises like fondu and bourrée. Additionally, the class explores the physical sensation of the toes pushing through the floor—a vital component for maintaining lift, preventing "sinking" into the shoes, and achieving total control. Whether you are working to stabilize your arabesque or trying to refine the rhythm and speed of your pas de bourrée, this class offers the gentle yet detailed approach that adult dancers need.
By shifting the focus from the height of the legs to the precision of the mechanics, you will develop the underlying strength and body awareness necessary to tackle advanced center work with grace and poise.
