What You'll Learn
- How to use your toes as a 'trampoline' for faster, sharper tendus
- The secret to maintaining a 'floppy hip' for better leg articulation
- Developing balance and control through the cou-de-pied position
- Techniques for transitioning from slow to fast footwork effectively
About This Video
Elevate your daily practice with this specialized 22-minute barre session from Broche Ballet, designed to refine the most fundamental elements of classical technique: the plié and the tendu. While these exercises are often the first things we learn, mastering them is a lifelong journey for every dancer. This class focuses on the delicate balance between strength and release, helping you achieve the quick footwork necessary for more advanced combinations and allegro work.
Our instructor leads you through a series of exercises that emphasize the 'trampoline' effect of the toes. By learning how to use the floor and your demi-pointe effectively, you can learn to propel your leg into a sharp tendu with ease. We explore movements to the front, side, and back, ensuring a well-rounded warmup that wakes up the small muscles of the feet and ankles.
A unique focus of this class is the concept of the 'floppy hip'—maintaining a relaxed hip joint while engaging a strong, articulate foot. This dissociation is key for speed and prevents the tension that can often lead to 'gripping' in the hip flexors. Throughout the session, you will work on shifting tempos.
We start with slow, deliberate movements to establish proper alignment and placement, then gradually increase the speed. This progression is vital for developing the muscle memory required for complex footwork. You will also practice the cou-de-pied position, focusing on holding a steady balance and finding your center.
Whether you are practicing at home or using this as a pre-class warmup, these exercises provide the technical clarity needed for any ballet dancer. At Broche Ballet, we believe that a strong foundation is the secret to beautiful dancing. By returning to these basic building blocks with fresh intention, you will find more power in your jumps and more grace in your transitions.
Join us on the barre to sharpen your technique.
