In Ballet, We Use All the Energy We Have—And Then Some

In many athletic disciplines, the primary goal is efficiency. Marathon runners and swimmers often focus on conserving energy to sustain their performance over long distances. However, in the world of classical ballet, we flip this script entirely.

To achieve the ethereal, gravity-defying look that characterizes professional dancers, you cannot be efficient with your energy; you must be extravagant with it. At Broche Ballet, we teach our students that the secret to that certain 'je ne sais quoi' is the willingness to use all the energy you have—and then a little bit more. It might seem counterintuitive to fight against your natural instinct to rest or pace yourself, but this is exactly what allows a dancer to perform a soaring grand jeté or a sharp, brilliant pirouette.

When you hold back, the movement often looks heavy or incomplete. When you give 110%, you create the illusion of weightlessness. This approach to energy management is what separates ballet from traditional sports.

In a sports context, if you can finish a race while using only 80% of your power, you’ve done something impressive. In ballet, if you finish a combination at the barre with energy to spare, you’ve likely missed an opportunity to extend your line or deepen your plié. Every tendu and dégagé requires an explosive use of energy to reach its full potential.

By committing to this high level of expenditure, you aren't just getting a better workout; you are mastering the art of the 'fight' against gravity. This video explores the mental and physical shifts required to stop saving energy for later and start using every ounce of power you have in the moment. Whether you are working on your épaulement or trying to stay stable en pointe, remember: don't save it for lunch.

Use it now to transform your technique.