What You'll Learn
- Mastering the mechanics of a functional plié by grounding the heels and engaging the inner calves.
- Developing precision in tendus by working through the floor to build foot strength.
- Improving balance and control during fondu and cambré sequences for better stability.
- Enhancing port de bras and head positioning for expressive, professional alignment.
- Coordinating breath and core stability to support fluid movements at the barre.
About This Video
Build a rock-solid foundation with this focused 24-minute ballet barre class from Broche Ballet. While the atmosphere is lighthearted and fun—set to an upbeat playlist of pop covers—the technical focus remains rigorous. This session is designed to help dancers of all levels refine the two most important movements in the ballet vocabulary: the plié and the tendu.
We begin with a deep dive into plié technique. You will learn how to properly drive the heels and the inside of the calves into the floor to achieve maximum stability and turnout. Moving into tendus, the instructor emphasizes the 'friction' of the floor, teaching you how to dig through the metatarsals to build foot strength and articulation. These fundamental exercises are not just warmups; they are the building blocks for every jump and turn you will perform in the center.
As the class progresses, we incorporate more complex elements including fondu, cambré, and port de bras. You will work on maintaining a strong, engaged core to support your alignment as you move through various shapes, including arabesque and retiré. Special attention is given to the 'finishing touches' of ballet—allongé movements and specific head motions—ensuring that your practice is as expressive as it is athletic.
Whether you are a beginner looking to understand the basics or an experienced dancer wanting to revisit your alignment, this class offers corrections and feedback that resonate across all skill levels. By the end of the session, you will have worked on balance, control, and flexibility, leaving you feeling centered and ready for center work. Finish the practice with gentle stretching to relax the muscles and reflect on your progress. Grab your barre and let's get started!
