What You'll Learn
- How to articulate the foot correctly by pushing through the arch during center waltz steps.
- Techniques for maintaining balance and proper head placement over the supporting leg.
- The importance of keeping the leg straight and sliding the foot to ensure smooth transitions.
- Methods for executing a controlled adage without the support of the barre.
- A traditional révérence to properly conclude a center practice session.
About This Video
Transitioning from the barre to the center is one of the most exciting and challenging milestones for any adult dancer. In this 15-minute practice session with Broche Ballet, we focus on the foundations of center work, specifically focusing on the controlled beauty of adage and the fluid dynamics of the slow waltz. This class is designed to help you find your stability without the support of the barre, emphasizing the relationship between your footwork and your upper body placement.
We begin by exploring the slow waltz, where the instructor guides you through the intricate details of movement quality. You will learn the importance of foot articulation—how the foot should extend and stretch the moment it leaves the floor, with the arch pushing out to lead the motion. This prevents the common beginner mistake of flexing the foot to 'avoid' the floor.
Instead, you will practice keeping your toes grazing the floor to maintain a seamless, elegant line. Balance and alignment are central themes throughout this lesson. As you move through various waltz steps and adage sequences, the instructor provides specific corrections on head placement, such as keeping the head over the front leg to maintain a proper center of gravity.
You will also learn to keep the leg straight and slide through your steps, ensuring that every transition is deliberate and secure. This session doesn't just teach you the steps; it teaches you how to think like a dancer. By taking the time to consider every detail—from the pointing of the toes to the coordination of the arms—you will develop the muscle memory needed for more advanced choreography.
We conclude the class with a formal curtsy or révérence, a traditional ballet finish that honors the art form and your hard work. Whether you are practicing in a home studio or a professional space, these exercises provide the technical foundation necessary for graceful, confident movement.
