What You'll Learn
- Master 'target practice' drills to land pirouettes in specific directions like front, side, and back.
- Develop neuro-muscular awareness by negotiating balance during intentional 'incorrect' landings.
- Coordinate arm movement to 'chase the knee' for more efficient and stable turning momentum.
- Use lunges and breathing techniques to calm the nervous system and ground the standing leg for turns.
- Improve transitions from fourth position to ensure deliberate and professional turn termination.
About This Video
Tired of letting gravity dictate where your pirouette ends? In this 21-minute practice session at Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of pirouette landing control through a unique and effective 'target practice' method. Instead of spinning and hoping for the best, you will learn how to 'call your shot' and land with intention in specific directions—front, side, and back.
We begin the session with a series of port de bras and lunges. These exercises are not just for warming up; they are designed to fire up the standing leg and establish a calm nervous system. A grounded mind is essential for the focus required during complex turning movements.
As we progress, we move from foundational relevé and passé transitions into quarter and half turns, focusing on the mechanical coordination of the arms. You will learn the 'arm chasing the knee' technique to create efficient and controlled momentum. What makes this Broche Ballet drill unique is our focus on neuro-muscular awareness.
We will deliberately practice 'incorrect' landings to help you understand how to negotiate your body's weight and regain balance under pressure. By intentionally landing off-center, you teach your brain how to adjust mid-turn, a skill that separates professional dancers from students. This builds the confidence to handle any rotation, knowing you can always find your feet.
By mastering these transitions from fourth position, you gain the precision needed to terminate your turns with elegance and strength. Whether you are working on a single pirouette or preparing for advanced combinations, this class provides the drills necessary to improve your stability and termination. Key technical elements covered include proper foot placement in coup de pied and passé, maintaining a strong fourth position preparation, and using rond de jambe and tendu to find your center.
This session emphasizes deliberate movement over relying on momentum, ensuring that every turn you take is a conscious choice. Join us for this targeted practice and take command of your center today.
