What You'll Learn
- Refine your en dehors and en dedans mechanics using the barre for stability.
- Master the 'slide, push, and catch' technique for controlled landings.
- Improve impulse control to prevent 'flying away' from the barre during turns.
- Build the core strength and relevé stability required for single pirouettes.
- Develop the mental focus needed to overcome fear and nervousness during rotations.
About This Video
Mastering the art of the pirouette is a journey that requires both physical strength and mental discipline. In this targeted practice session with Broche Ballet, we focus specifically on en dehors and en dedans turns at the barre. This specialized training is designed to bridge the gap between static barre exercises and the fluidity of center work, providing you with the stability needed to refine your technique before moving to the middle of the floor. One of the most significant challenges dancers face when practicing turns at the barre is impulse control. The natural tendency is to fly away from the support, but through these drills, you will learn to manage your energy and maintain your alignment.
Throughout this lesson, we break down the mechanics of the turn into manageable components: the preparatory plié, the explosive relevé into passé, and the critical 'slide, push, and catch' technique for a controlled finish. Learning to land on the barre with one hand in first position requires precise timing; you must resist the urge to grab the barre too early. By waiting until the turn is nearly complete to slide and push, you build the core stability necessary for independent turning. This process is as much a nervous system challenge as it is a physical one, requiring you to look up and away from the barre rather than staring at it for security.
We also address the psychological hurdles of turning, such as fear and nervousness. These drills are designed to build confidence by providing a safe environment to test your limits. Remember, mastering these turns takes time—often as much practice as it takes to land your first single pirouette in the center. At Broche Ballet, we encourage you to approach these drills with patience and consistency. With regular practice, the impulse to 'grab' will be replaced by a graceful, controlled return to the barre, setting the foundation for beautiful, consistent turns in your ballet practice.
