What You'll Learn
- How to execute the ethereal, spirit-like walk characteristic of the Shades.
- The technical breakdown of the développé, attitude, and passé sequence.
- Rhythmic timing and footwork for the pas de bourrée and chassé transitions.
- Stylistic arm placements and poses specific to La Bayadère Act III.
- Methods for maintaining balance and poise during slow, controlled movements.
About This Video
Step into the ethereal world of Marius Petipa’s masterpiece with our beginner-friendly tutorial on the 3rd Shade variation from La Bayadère. The Kingdom of the Shades is one of the most celebrated scenes in classical ballet, known for its hypnotic symmetry and technical precision. While often performed by a large corps de ballet, this class focuses on the specific movements of the 3rd Shade, breaking down the choreography into manageable segments for the beginner student.
At Broche Ballet, we believe that classical repertoire should be accessible to dancers of all levels, and this tutorial is designed to help you feel confident in these iconic steps. This class provides a focused overview of the essential movements required to perform this variation with grace and poise. We begin by establishing the character's spirit-like quality, focusing on a floating walk that sets the tone for the entire piece.
You will learn to transition seamlessly into a series of poses that define the Shade’s aesthetic, including the proper use of épaulement and breath. A significant portion of the session is dedicated to the core sequence: the développé, the brush into attitude, and the transition into passé. These movements require a strong sense of balance and core engagement, which we emphasize throughout the lesson.
We also cover essential transition footwork, including the plié and pas de bourrée, ensuring you have the foundational strength to move between positions fluidly. Beyond the physical steps, we touch upon the rhythmic nuances of the choreography. You will practice specific counts to ensure your movement matches the hauntingly beautiful score.
We also introduce the chassé and the specific arm movements that bring the variation to life. Whether you are looking to improve your technique or simply want to experience the joy of dancing world-famous choreography, this class offers a perfect entry point into the world of classical variations.
