Mastering Foundations: A Focused Ballet Plié & Tendu Barre

Welcome to Broche Ballet’s dedicated warmup session. In the world of classical dance, everything begins and ends with the basics. This 21-minute class focuses specifically on pliés and tendus, the two fundamental pillars that support every jump, turn, and pose in ballet. By dedicating time to these essential movements, you build the muscle memory and strength required for more advanced combinations.

Throughout this practice, you will be guided through a series of exercises designed to find greater precision in your footwork and fluidity in your upper body. We move beyond simple repetitions to explore the nuances of cou-de-pied and retiré. One of the key focuses of this class is tactile awareness—learning to hit the exact same spot on your ankle or calf every time you move through cou-de-pied. This consistency is what transforms a student’s movement into the clean, professional lines of an advanced dancer. The instructor provides detailed corrections to help you maintain balance and posture even as the complexity of the movement increases.

The session also places a heavy emphasis on port de bras. Coordinating your arms with your leg movements is often where dancers lose their center. We practice slow, fast, and reverse arm patterns to ensure you maintain complete control of your frame, regardless of the tempo. You will work on enveloppé and passé movements, ensuring that your turnout is held from the hip and your alignment remains stacked. Whether you are an intermediate dancer looking to refine your technique or a beginner wanting to establish strong habits, this class offers a structured environment to improve your speed and control. By the time you reach the final exercise and the closing arabesque, you will feel more grounded, centered, and ready for the center floor.