Essential Ballet Warmup Barre: Pliés and Tendus Technique

Building a strong ballet foundation starts with the most fundamental movements: the plié and the tendu. In this 25-minute Broche Ballet session, we strip away the complexity of center work to focus on the essential technical elements that define a dancer’s quality of movement. This barre warmup is designed for dancers of all levels who want to refine their alignment, build strength, and find a deeper connection with the floor.

The class begins with thorough sets of pliés. Here, the focus is on maintaining a stable center of gravity and engaging the glutes to ensure proper turnout from the hips. You will work through demi-pliés and grand pliés, paying close attention to the descent and the powerful push back to a neutral position.

Following the pliés, the class transitions into tendus. Precise footwork is the highlight here; you will learn to articulate through the metatarsals, ensuring a sharp, clean line from the ankle to the toes. We also incorporate coup-de-pied and soussou work to challenge your balance and coordination.

The instructor provides constant feedback on posture, reminding you to keep the shoulders relaxed while the core remains braced. By focusing on these "simple" movements, you develop the muscle memory necessary for more advanced combinations later in your training. Set to lovely, inspiring music, this practice emphasizes the relationship between rhythm and physicality.

You will work through exercises on both the right and left sides, ensuring symmetrical development and control. Whether you are using a professional barre or a sturdy piece of furniture at home, this guided practice will leave you feeling centered and technically prepared. Repetition is the key to mastery in ballet, and this focused warmup offers the perfect opportunity to perfect the basics that support every jump, turn, and adagio.

Join us at Broche Ballet and elevate your technique one tendu at a time.