What You'll Learn
- How to use the back knee and shoulder alignment to create force for turns
- Proper bending of the back leg in fourth position to maximize momentum
- Maintaining vertical alignment and 'ears up' posture during transitions
- The role of the elbow in initiating successful turning movements
- Techniques for finishing turns with stability by pushing off the floor
About This Video
Developing a powerful and controlled pirouette requires more than just a strong core; it demands a deep understanding of how to generate force through transitions. In this Broche Ballet 'Step by Step' lesson, we break down the mechanics of temps lié en tournant, a vital technique for dancers looking to master turning momentum from a fourth position. This class focuses on the physics of the movement, ensuring you can transition from a stationary position into a dynamic turn with grace and strength.
The exercise begins by examining how we approach fourth position. Rather than simply stepping into it, we use the temps lié en tournant to create a coiled energy. One of the primary keys to this movement is the action of the back leg.
Dancers often struggle with 'washing out' their turns because they lose the resistance in their plié. We will focus on how to bend the back leg specifically to generate turning momentum, ensuring that the back knee pushes back behind the back shoulder. This specific alignment creates the necessary torque to propel you into a clean pirouette.
Furthermore, we address common postural mistakes, such as leaning forward or dropping the head. By keeping the ears up and maintaining a vertical axis, you ensure that the force generated in the lower body is efficiently transferred through the spine. We also dive into the 'elbow action'—a subtle but powerful tool for initiating the rotation.
Whether you are struggling to get around in your turns or simply want to add more fluidity to your center work, mastering these mechanical details is essential. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a clear mental and physical roadmap for using temps lié en tournant to improve your stability and power on the dance floor. This class is an excellent follow-up to our 'Learn Détourné' session, providing the next logical step in your technical progression.
