What You'll Learn
- How to integrate theatrical pantomime into classical ballet technique
- Techniques for maintaining a character persona during complex footwork
- The importance of musical timing in narrative-driven character variations
- Collaborative performance skills and spatial awareness between two dancers
- Developing expressive épaulement to enhance storytelling on stage
About This Video
In this delightful performance snippet, Lydia Howard and Jessica Maddox bring to life one of the most charming character dances from the third act of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty. Known for its playful narrative and distinct musicality, the Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf variation is a masterclass in combining classical ballet technique with theatrical pantomime. This specific piece is a highlight of the wedding festivities for Princess Aurora, where various fairytale characters come to pay their respects through dance.
Watching professional performances like this is an essential part of an adult dancer's education at Broche Ballet. It allows students to see how fundamental steps—such as precise dégagé movements, sharp petit sauté jumps, and controlled port de bras—are utilized to tell a story beyond the barre. The interaction between the two characters requires not just technical skill, but a deep understanding of timing and stagecraft.
Note how the wolf’s movements are sharp and unpredictable, while Little Red Riding Hood maintains a sense of lightness and cautious elegance throughout her steps. Character dances in classical ballets often serve as a reprieve from the pure technicality of the grand pas de deux, focusing instead on personality and charm. For the dancer, this requires a shift in focus: your épaulement must be more intentional, and your facial expressions must effectively communicate the story to the audience.
By studying the movements of Lydia and Jessica, students can learn how to transition from the structured environment of a ballet class to the expressive world of the stage. At Broche Ballet, we believe that every adult dancer has a story to tell. Whether you are practicing your relevé at home or preparing for a studio showcase, understanding the nuances of character variations helps build a well-rounded artistic identity.
Use this video as inspiration to infuse your own practice with narrative intent. Observe how the wolf uses a low center of gravity while Little Red Riding Hood stays high on her demi-pointe, creating a visual contrast that heightens the drama.
