What You'll Learn
- Correct engagement of the shins and hips for quick, precise tendu movements.
- Improving flexibility and control through varied demi and grand plié combinations.
- Mastering footwork speed and articulation on demi-pointe for better allegro preparation.
- Utilizing the rhythmic structure of Bach's music to enhance movement quality and timing.
- Maintaining proper alignment and posture during complex footwork sequences.
About This Video
Welcome to a focused technical session at Broche Ballet designed to elevate your foundational movements. This 24-minute "Just Pliés & Tendus" class offers an intensive look at the two most critical elements of a ballet barre. Set to the timeless and mathematically precise music of Bach, this practice encourages dancers to find clarity in every movement, from the soft initiation of a plié to the sharp, energetic finish of a tendu.
The class focuses heavily on the mechanics of the foot and lower leg. You will explore a variety of tendu combinations in first and fifth positions, emphasizing the importance of actively using the shins to pull the toes up and facilitate quick, responsive movements. The instructor provides detailed guidance on maintaining proper hip placement—pushing the hips down while lifting through the core—to achieve a quick flex and bend without compromising your center. By focusing on these micro-adjustments, you can transform a standard exercise into a powerful conditioning tool for your turnout and stability.
A highlight of this session is the work on footwork speed and articulation. Whether you are working on demi-pointe or transitionary steps, the focus remains on precision. Through sequences performed en croix, you will challenge your weight placement and muscle memory. The lesson also incorporates exercises similar to petit battement, requiring dancers to pull the leg in rapidly to land securely and maintain their balance. Throughout the class, the emphasis remains on alignment and posture. Even in a session dedicated to the feet, the upper body must remain calm and supported. By the end of this Broche Ballet practice, you will have a deeper understanding of how to use your floor pressure and musicality to create a performance that is both fluid and technically sound.
