What You'll Learn
- The crucial role of calf rotation in maintaining proper turnout
- Techniques for leading with the inside of the calf in enveloppé and movements à la seconde
- How to maintain a sense of forwardness in the lower leg during a sous-sus
- Precision alignment and weight distribution during fundamental plié and tendu combinations
About This Video
Welcome to this specialized Broche Ballet practice session dedicated to the most fundamental movements in the dancer's vocabulary: the plié and the tendu. In this 23-minute barre warmup, we strip away the complexity of advanced combinations to focus intensely on the mechanics of rotation and alignment. Whether you are a beginner building your foundation or an advanced dancer looking to tune up your technique, this class offers deep insights into lower leg turnout.
The core philosophy of this session revolves around the role of the calf muscle in achieving proper rotation. Many dancers mistakenly believe that turnout happens exclusively in the hip socket. While the hips are vital, this lesson demonstrates how the calf muscle plays a crucial role in maintaining that rotation down through the foot.
Instead of forcing the knees, you will learn how to rotate the calves forward to create a stable, beautiful line that supports your entire frame. We begin with foundational pliés to establish our center and then progress through a series of intentional tendu combinations. Special attention is given to the enveloppé and movements à la seconde, where maintaining rotation is often most challenging.
You will learn to lead with the inside of the calf, ensuring that your turnout is active and supported through every extension. Throughout the class, we explore the concept of 'forwardness' in the lower leg, particularly when closing into a tight sous-sus or working devant. By focusing on these micro-adjustments, you will develop the functional strength and neuromuscular control necessary for more complex center work and pirouettes.
This video is more than just a warmup; it is a technical masterclass in the subtle art of ballet placement. By returning to these basics, you ensure that your body is properly warmed up, minimizing the risk of injury while maximizing your aesthetic line. Join us at the barre and rediscover the power of a perfectly executed plié and tendu.
