What You'll Learn
- The fundamental difference between switching sides and reversing a ballet combination.
- How to mentally map and swap 'front' and 'back' positions within a tendu en croix.
- Techniques for reversing specific movements like pas de cheval, tombé, and pas de bourrée.
- Strategies to improve memory and coordination for complex center work sequences.
- Practical tips for handling arm movements (port de bras) during reversed exercises.
About This Video
Do you find yourself getting lost when the instructor says, 'and now we reverse'? Reversing a combination is one of the most challenging mental exercises in ballet. It requires not just physical coordination but a deep cognitive understanding of how movements relate to space.
In this tutorial from Broche Ballet, we break down a complex center combination to show you exactly how to flip the logic. The secret to mastering the reverse is realizing that it is more than just switching from your right foot to your left; it is about swapping the direction of the movement. If a sequence starts 'en avant' (to the front), the reverse must begin 'en arrière' (to the back).
Throughout this 11-minute practice session, we focus on a specific tendu combination that incorporates many common center elements. We look at the geometry of tendus en croix and how to mentally map the shift from front-side-back to back-side-front. You will also learn the specific logic for reversing steps like the pas de cheval and the pas de bourrée.
Often, dancers make the mistake of only changing the working leg, but true reversing involves the path of the arms and the direction of the tombé. We provide a step-by-step breakdown of the original combination before guiding you through the mental hurdles of the reversed version. We address common pitfalls, such as the three-part pas de bourrée sequence, which changes its internal order when reversed.
By practicing along with the music provided in this video, you will build the muscle memory and mental acuity needed to keep up with fast-paced center work in any ballet class. Whether you are an adult beginner or looking to refine your center technique, these memory strategies will help you feel more confident on the floor. Join Broche Ballet as we demystify the art of reversing and help you take the guesswork out of your center practice.
