Men’s Barre: Building Leg Power and Extensions with Upper Body Connection

Welcome to this specialized Men's Barre session at Broche Ballet, designed to bridge the gap between raw strength and fluid extension. In this comprehensive 52-minute practice, we dive deep into the mechanics of leg control, focusing on the vital connection between the upper and lower body. For many dancers, the legs can feel incredibly heavy and difficult to maneuver, especially when working toward high extensions in à la seconde or arabesque.

The secret to overcoming this weight lies not just in the leg muscles themselves, but in how you leverage your upper body, core, and lats. Throughout this class, we move through a structured series of exercises including tendu, plié, and développé. These movements are curated to build the power and speed necessary for advanced jumps and turns.

We emphasize the importance of engaging the lats down into the hips, creating a stable, lifted foundation that allows the legs to move with greater precision. This upper body engagement is a crucial missing piece for many male dancers and those following male technique who struggle with leg height. By learning to support the leg from the core and lats, you free the hip flexors from overworking.

A highlight of this session is the dedicated barre stretch for à la seconde. We explore technical cues such as keeping the shoulder in front of the inner thigh to ensure proper alignment and maximum stretch efficiency. We also address the transition into arabesque and attitude, ensuring that the connection through the back is maintained.

By relaxing the leg and allowing it to drop deeper into the hip socket, you unlock a new range of motion. Whether you are preparing for powerful grand allegro or seeking more refined pirouettes, this class provides the technical tools to transform your movement. Join us at Broche Ballet as we refine your technique, strengthen your functional connection, and master the art of controlled, powerful extensions.