What You'll Learn
- Proper ball placement for PBT exercises to maximize muscle engagement in the calf and core.
- Techniques for improving stability and alignment in su su and retiré positions.
- How to use slow, controlled demi-plié movements to build functional strength and muscle memory.
- Alignment secrets for maintaining a strong core connection throughout floor-based conditioning.
About This Video
Elevate your dance practice with this focused 20-minute Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) session from Broche Ballet. Designed to strengthen your core and refine your retiré and balance, this routine is an essential addition to any dancer's cross-training regimen. PBT is a unique conditioning program that utilizes equipment like stability balls and small Pilates balls to help dancers understand the depth of muscle memory required for classical ballet.
In this session, we dive deep into the mechanics of placement and alignment. One of the most critical aspects of PBT is ensuring the proper placement of the ball. You will learn why positioning the ball on the calf, rather than near the ankles, creates a more effective engagement of the kinetic chain.
This subtle adjustment allows for a better connection to the core and a more stable base for movements like su su and retiré. We also explore the importance of slow, controlled movements. By executing a demi-plié or a stretch over 8 counts, you challenge your muscles to work through their full range of motion while maintaining perfect posture.
The instructor emphasizes focusing on the bottom leg during cross movements, a technique that directly translates to better stability when you return to the barre or center floor. Throughout the class, we focus on maintaining a narrow alignment—keeping the legs together or slightly apart to prevent strain on the joints and ensure the correct muscles are firing. This core-centric approach helps you find your center and improves your ability to hold challenging positions.
Whether you are working on your fourth position or looking to sharpen your turns, the principles of PBT will give you the physical awareness needed to succeed. At Broche Ballet, we believe that conditioning is just as important as time spent in the studio. By integrating these PBT exercises into your weekly routine, you will notice a significant difference in your turnout, balance, and overall control.
