What You'll Learn
- Proper alignment and turnout in first, second, and fifth positions.
- The mechanics of fluid pliés and sharp, articulated tendus.
- Maintaining core engagement and posture during en croix patterns.
- Refining weight placement and stability while using the barre.
- Transitioning smoothly with allongé and finding balance in sous-sus.
About This Video
The foundation of every great dancer begins at the barre. In this 23-minute instructional session from Broche Ballet, we strip away the complexity to focus on the two most vital elements of classical technique: the plié and the tendu. Whether you are a beginner looking to establish correct habits or an experienced dancer seeking to refine your alignment, this class offers a deep dive into the mechanics of movement.
Throughout the practice, your instructor provides detailed guidance through exercises performed en croix, ensuring that you develop strength and flexibility evenly across all planes. We emphasize the importance of maintaining proper turnout from the hips, engaging the core to support a lengthened spine, and finding a fluid allongé to finish each movement with grace. By focusing on these fundamental steps, you build the muscle memory necessary for more advanced combinations, jumps, and center work.
You will explore the nuances of various pliés, focusing on the resisted quality of the bend and the energetic push-off from the floor. For tendus, the focus shifts to the articulation of the foot, ensuring every inch of the floor is used to create a beautiful, pointed line. The session also incorporates moments of sous-sus to help you find your vertical axis and test your balance at the barre.
At Broche Ballet, we believe that returning to basics is the fastest way to progress. This 'Just Pliés & Tendus' class is designed to be a repeatable warmup or a standalone technical drill. By prioritizing the quality of your footwork and the stability of your posture, you set the stage for a successful and injury-free dance practice.
The role of music and rhythm is also highlighted, helping you find the phrasing that makes ballet an art form rather than just an exercise. Grab your barre and let’s begin this journey toward technical precision.
