What You'll Learn
- Head placement strategies during rond de jambe to improve center balance and stability.
- The 'over the top' port de bras technique to facilitate cleaner turns and pirouettes.
- How to maintain continuous momentum through piqué soutenu transitions for a seamless flow.
- Expressive adage techniques using soft wrists to create a more lengthened and artistic line.
- Musical phrasing adjustments for waltz combinations, including timing for single and double pirouettes.
About This Video
Elevate your technique with this comprehensive 17-minute intermediate ballet center practice from Broche Ballet. Designed for students who have moved beyond basic foundations, this session focuses on the intricate relationship between momentum, musicality, and technical precision. Throughout the class, the emphasis remains on maintaining a seamless flow, ensuring that every movement leads organically into the next without losing energy.
The practice begins with a dynamic piqué and tendu combination. Here, the primary focus is on maintaining continuous movement and proper alignment. You will learn the importance of head placement during rond de jambe—specifically keeping the head aligned over the standing foot—to ensure stability and prevent the weight from falling with the working leg. This foundational control is essential for the more complex movements that follow in the center.
Moving into the adage section, we explore controlled promenades in écarte and arabesque. This portion of the class emphasizes the artistry of the upper body and port de bras. By focusing on soft wrists and reaching with the back of the hand, you will develop a more expressive and lengthened line, avoiding the stiffness that often occurs during challenging balance work. We incorporate fondu and developpé to build the strength necessary for sustained center work.
The highlight of the session is an intricate waltz combination. This sequence integrates balancé, piqué soutenu, and pirouettes, challenging your ability to maintain phrasing. You will practice specific 'over the top' arm movements that are crucial for navigating turns and capturing the 'zippy' energy of waltz music. Depending on your comfort level and the musical tempo, you will have the opportunity to experiment with single or double pirouettes, learning how to adjust your preparation and execution through the tombé pas de bourrée.
We conclude with a traditional révérence to honor the hard work put into the practice and the music. Whether you are training in a home studio or a professional space, this video provides the tools necessary to refine your coordination and step into your next class with renewed confidence and grace.
