What You'll Learn
- Technique for performing pliés and tendus without the strain of gravity
- How to engage hamstrings to achieve proper knee lift and leg extension
- Strategies for maintaining a relaxed neck and shoulders while working the lower body
- The importance of inner thigh rotation and turnout in the Kniaseff method
- Fundamental footwork including flexing and working through demi-pointe
About This Video
Welcome to a foundational session of Kniaseff Floor Barre at Broche Ballet. In this specialized class, instructors India Rose and Julie Gill guide you through the first three exercises of the renowned Kniaseff method. This floor-based approach is designed to help dancers find deeper muscle engagement, improve turnout, and refine alignment without the added stress of weight-bearing on the joints.
The session begins with a focus on core stability and lower body isolation. You will explore movements such as the plié and tendu from a seated or supine position, allowing you to feel the rotation in the hip socket and the lengthening of the limbs more clearly than at a traditional barre. By working on the floor, you can concentrate on maintaining a neutral spine and relaxed neck while your legs perform complex tasks.
One of the key elements emphasized in these first three exercises is the engagement of the hamstrings. You will learn how to activate these muscles to lift the knees slightly off the ground, a crucial skill for developing the strength needed for higher extensions and more stable jumps. Additionally, the class covers the importance of demi-pointe work on the floor, stretching through the feet to achieve a beautiful, clean line.
Throughout the exercises, India and Julie provide detailed cues on how to widen the elbows to create space for the upper body and how to keep the inner thighs rotating forward during stretches. These nuances are what separate a standard workout from true ballet training. Whether you are working in first position or second position, the focus remains on precision and mindful movement.
These initial exercises serve as an essential warm-up, preparing your body for the more intense floor barre sequences to follow. By the end of this session, you will feel a heightened sense of engagement in your legs and a more profound understanding of your body's mechanics. Join our community at Broche Ballet and elevate your technique with the Kniaseff method today.
