What You'll Learn
- The 'match-strike' technique for a crisp, powerful frappé extension.
- How to maintain a consistent knee height to prevent unwanted lifting.
- Proper transitions between tendu, demi-sweep, and the flexed position.
- Techniques for weight distribution to ensure stability during fast footwork.
About This Video
In this focused 7-minute class from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the essential mechanics of the frappé. Often misunderstood as a simple flick of the foot, the frappé is a fundamental movement that builds the necessary strength, rhythm, and speed for advanced allegro work. By slowing down the movement, dancers can identify and correct technical habits that might be hindering their progress in faster combinations.
The session begins by breaking down the "strike"—the core of the frappé action. You will learn to treat the floor like a matchbox, creating a sharp, rhythmic strike that emphasizes the outward energy rather than an upward lift. One of the most common mistakes in barre work is allowing the knee to migrate or the thigh to lift during the extension.
Our instructor provides specific cues to help you maintain a consistent knee height, ensuring that your energy is directed through the toes and into the floor rather than pulling away from it. We explore a precise sequence involving tendu, demi-sweep, and flex to build a solid foundation for the feet. This meticulous approach helps in understanding the role of the demi-pointe and the importance of maintaining a strong, forceful position throughout the exercise.
As you move en croix, you will focus on proper foot and leg placement, ensuring that your weight distribution remains centered and stable on the standing leg. Whether you are struggling with foot speed or simply want to clean up your technique, this slow practice provides the crucial "why" behind the movement. By mastering the weight and heft of the foot at a lower tempo, you prepare your muscles for the rapid-fire demands of center combinations.
Join Broche Ballet for this essential technical breakdown and transform the way you approach your daily barre practice.
