What You'll Learn
- How to identify and maintain your vertical turning axis for stable rotations.
- Effective spotting techniques to improve coordination and prevent dizziness.
- The proper transition from a preparatory plié to a secure retiré position.
- Using arm placement as a guide to find and keep your center of gravity.
- Practical drills for quarter turns to build precision and control before full rotations.
About This Video
Achieving a perfect pirouette requires more than just momentum; it demands a deep understanding of your body’s vertical alignment. In this specialized class from Broche Ballet, we dive into the fourth installment of our 'Mastering Pirouettes' series, specifically focusing on the concept of the turning axis. Whether you are struggling with falling out of your turns or simply want to add more rotations to your repertoire, finding your center of gravity is the essential first step toward technical mastery.
Our instructor guides you through a comprehensive sequence of turning drills designed to isolate the mechanics of balance. We begin with a review of fundamental alignment, emphasizing how a strong plié and a crisp tendu set the foundation for a successful rotation. You will learn how to find your 'balance point'—that precise vertical line where your weight is centered over the support of the foot.
A significant portion of this session is dedicated to the art of spotting. By isolating head movement from the rest of the body, you can maintain orientation and control throughout the turn. We also explore the role of the arms, learning how to use them as guides to find your axis rather than throwing the body off-balance.
Through exercises like quarter turns and controlled transitions into retiré, you will build the muscle memory needed for consistency. Throughout the lesson, the instructor provides detailed feedback on body positioning, emphasizing that the location of your balance point shifts slightly depending on the direction of your turn. By focusing on core strength and flexibility, you will learn to 'pull' your body toward its center, creating the stability required for multiple rotations.
Join Broche Ballet for this 19-minute intensive and transform the way you approach your turns at the barre and in the center of the studio.
