What You'll Learn
- Navigate the back corners of the studio to improve spatial awareness and expand movement range.
- Utilize first position port de bras transitions to generate momentum for controlled fouetté pivots.
- Master the "trading places" visualization to maintain stability during a 180-degree promenade.
- Apply the rule of opposite arms for front extensions and same-side arms for back extensions.
- Improve fluidity by coordinating en cloche leg movements with synchronized arm changes.
About This Video
Step into the center with Broche Ballet as we tackle one of the most challenging transitions in intermediate technique: moving beyond the front mirror. In this 19-minute instructional class, you will explore how to master spatial orientation by utilizing the back corners of your dance space. Many students feel comfortable facing front, but true artistry and technical proficiency come from the ability to navigate diagonals with ease and precision.
Our session begins with dynamic center combinations designed to refine your coordination. We break down the mechanics of the pas de cheval and pas de bourrée, focusing on how these steps facilitate transitions into more complex movements like the fouetté pivot. You will learn the critical role of port de bras in generating momentum; by closing and opening the arms through first position, you create the necessary torque to execute clean pivots while maintaining your center of gravity.
A key highlight of this class is our deep dive into the rules of arm coordination. We clarify the standard ballet principle: using the opposite arm for front extensions and the same-side arm for movements to the back. This technical foundation is essential for achieving the clean, classical lines expected at an intermediate level.
We also practice en cloche movements, emphasizing how synchronized arm changes can improve the fluidity of your transitions between tombé and relevé sequences. The class culminates in a focused study of the promenade within an adage context. Holding a steady arabesque while rotating 180 degrees requires more than just leg strength—it requires a mental map of your body's alignment.
We introduce the concept of "trading places" with your nose and foot, a visualization technique that helps maintain a consistent line and prevents wobbling during the rotation. Whether you are working on your cou-de-pied or perfecting your fondu, this class provides the tools to elevate your performance from the studio to the stage.
