What You'll Learn
- Master the mechanics of a proper plié with a focus on hip rotation and knee alignment.
- Improve foot articulation and floor resistance through detailed tendu and pas de cheval exercises.
- Refine the placement and execution of movements like envelopé and coup-de-pied.
- Develop the core stability and upper body posture required for consistent barre work.
About This Video
Welcome to a focused, 25-minute foundational barre session at Broche Ballet, specifically designed to hone your technique in the most essential of ballet movements: the plié and the tendu. While these exercises are often treated as simple warmups, they are the architectural blueprint for every jump, turn, and pose in classical dance. This class invites dancers of all levels to slow down and prioritize precision over complexity.
In this session, our instructor guides you through a series of exercises that emphasize proper alignment and body engagement from the very first breath. We begin with detailed pliés, focusing on the external rotation of the hips and the crucial importance of keeping the knees tracking directly over the toes. By maintaining straight knees at the peak of the movement and finding a deep, controlled stretch in the Achilles, you build the strength necessary for powerful allegro work later.
As we transition into the tendu portion of the class, the focus shifts to foot articulation and the resistance against the floor. You will practice tendus en croix, ensuring that the heel leads forward and the toes draw back with control. We also incorporate more nuanced movements such as the pas de cheval and envelopé.
These exercises are vital for developing the connection to the floor, teaching the foot to move through the metatarsals before reaching a fully arched position. Throughout the class, we explore various tempos, moving from slow, sustained repetitions to quicker, more rhythmic sequences. This variation helps improve muscle memory and ensures that your technique holds up even when the pace of the music increases.
We also pay close attention to the coup-de-pied position, focusing on the precise placement of the foot against the ankle. Whether you are a beginner looking to understand the mechanics of a proper tendu or an advanced dancer seeking to clean up your foundational habits, this practice offers the repetitive, mindful work needed to excel.
