What You'll Learn
- Master the 'aim for the barre' technique to ensure stability during whole turns
- Learn specific drills like sliding and pushing to build turn momentum and control
- Understand when to use a one-hand vs. two-hand catch to regain balance safely
- Discover why falling toward the barre is a safer technical habit than falling away
- Develop the confidence to transition barre skills into center pirouettes
About This Video
Mastering the pirouette is a cornerstone of any dancer's journey, and the barre provides an essential environment for refining this skill with precision and safety. In this specialized Broche Ballet class, we dive deep into practicing whole turns while utilizing the barre as a support system. This session is designed for dancers who want to bridge the gap between static balance and the fluid motion of center turns.
' By training yourself to turn toward the support, you create a safety net for your technique. As discussed in the class, falling toward the barre is significantly more manageable than falling away from it; in a partner situation, a partner can catch you if you lean in, but cannot assist if you drift away. This philosophy is applied to your solo practice by encouraging you to catch the barre with one or two hands at the completion of your pirouette.
We explore various drills to build this muscle memory, including sliding into the turn and pushing off with controlled energy. You will learn how to use two hands as an intermediary step, eventually progressing to a single-hand catch as your stability improves. If a turn feels particularly out of control, the instructor demonstrates how to immediately return to a two-handed grab to find your center again.
Through these focused drills, you will develop a better awareness of your alignment in relevé and the positioning of your passé or retiré. By consistently practicing your turns at the barre, you build the necessary strength and confidence to eventually take these pirouettes into the center of the room. Whether you are working on your first clean rotation or looking to stabilize multiple turns, this class provides the technical framework needed for success.
