What You'll Learn
- Mastering the brush and pathway of a powerful tendu movement.
- Developing controlled strength through slow fondu and développé exercises.
- Improving musicality and timing using a unique, funky music playlist.
- Executing grand battement with the correct balance of power and speed.
- Refining posture and épaulement for a more expressive dance quality.
About This Video
Welcome to this 45-minute beginner ballet barre class at Broche Ballet, designed for those who want to slow down and truly master the mechanics of foundational movements. In this session, we trade the typical classical piano for a fun and funky music album, allowing you to explore musicality and timing in a fresh, engaging way. ' We start with slow, deliberate tendu exercises, emphasizing the importance of the brush and the pathway from the floor up the leg.
By taking the time to feel every inch of the movement, you build the muscle memory necessary for more advanced work. We then progress into fondu and développé, where the emphasis shifts to movement quality and sustained control. As we move into more powerful movements like grand battement, you will learn how to balance speed and power without sacrificing proper posture or alignment.
We discuss how to execute a strong, sharp brush that maintains its integrity even as the height increases. This practice is not just about physical execution; it is about understanding the role of music as a guide for expression and precision. ' For example, when practicing tendu, many students rush the return to fifth position.
In this class, we emphasize the sustained resistance against the floor, which builds intrinsic foot strength. We also incorporate en croix patterns to ensure the hips remain square and the turnout is maintained from the top of the leg. As we transition to frappé and work through positions of the coup-de-pied, the contrast between slow control and sharp, explosive power becomes clear.
This duality is essential for any dancer looking to progress to center work or en pointe. We also touch upon épaulement, focusing on how the head and shoulders complement the leg movements to create a cohesive performance. By the end of this 45-minute session, you will feel more grounded, more aligned, and better prepared for the complexities of choreographed routines.
