What You'll Learn
- Master the transition from fourth position into a stable retiré
- Improve turnout and knee placement during the launch of a pirouette
- Coordinate arm movement to maintain center and momentum
- Develop spotting techniques for better control in half and full turns
About This Video
Turning with grace and precision is a hallmark of classical ballet, yet the pirouette remains one of the most challenging movements to master. In this Broche Ballet practice session, we dive deep into the mechanics of a successful turn by focusing on the foundation: the launch into a correct retiré position. Many dancers struggle with stability because the transition from the floor to the turn is rushed or misaligned.
This class breaks down that crucial moment, ensuring your foot hits the knee with precision and your turnout remains active. The lesson begins with preparatory exercises involving tendu and plié in fourth position. These drills are designed to help you find your center and build the necessary momentum for a controlled rotation.
A key focus is the launch—the explosive yet controlled movement where the working leg moves into retiré. The instructor emphasizes the importance of the toe touching the knee and the knee opening outward to maintain a strong turnout. This alignment is vital for both stability and aesthetic form.
Without a high, turned-out retiré, the center of gravity shifts, often leading to a fall or a traveling turn. Throughout the session, you will practice quarter, half, and full pirouettes. By isolating the retiré position, you'll learn how the coordination of the arms and the standing leg creates the wrap needed for multiple rotations.
The left arm, in particular, serves as a guide to keep your weight centered over the supporting leg. You will also practice how the transition from a plié leads into the core turning shape. By focusing on detailed spotting and control, this video helps you eliminate common habits like dropping the heel or losing the passé height.
Join Broche Ballet for this detailed technical breakdown and transform your approach to turning. By focusing on the how and where of your leg placement, you'll gain the confidence to tackle more complex turns with ease.
