What You'll Learn
- Distinguish between fluid port de bras for movement and technical 'barre holds' for posture.
- Develop a deep floor connection using jazz-influenced slow tendu rhythms and deep plié.
- Master complex coordination using fast tendu sequences and pas de cheval movements.
- Improve foot strength and articulation by rolling through the skin of the toes on demi-pointe.
About This Video
Elevate your technique with this focused 25-minute ballet barre class from Broche Ballet. Designed to challenge your coordination and foot speed, this session dives deep into the nuances of pliés and tendus, pushing beyond the basics to refine your artistry and technical precision. The class begins with a comprehensive plié series across first, second, fourth, and fifth positions. Here, the focus is on the duality of the upper body: mastering the contrast between the fluid, expressive port de bras required for lyrical movements and the technical 'barre hold' used to stabilize the shoulder blades and maintain an upright posture. You will also incorporate grand plié work and gentle cambré movements to warm up the spine and find your center.
Moving into the tendu portion of the class, we explore dynamic shifts that are rarely taught in standard beginner classes. We start with a 'jazz-style' slow tendu sequence, encouraging a heavy, grounded connection to the floor and a deeper plié. This approach builds the necessary strength for the faster combinations that follow. As the tempo increases, you will tackle 'three-and-one' rhythms and intricate enveloppé movements that demand sharp coordination and mental focus. A highlight of this session is the integration of the pas de cheval. This movement is used to build rhythmic agility, teaching the legs and feet to move with both lightness and precision.
Throughout these exercises, the instructor emphasizes the importance of articulating through the 'skin of the toes' during transitions to demi-pointe and relevé. By focusing on pelvic floor engagement and proper heel placement during every tendu, you will develop the stability needed for fast-paced footwork. Whether you are looking to sharpen your musicality or strengthen your metatarsals, this class provides the technical framework to take your dancing to the next level. Join our Broche Ballet community and discover how rhythmic variation and intentional footwork can transform your barre practice.
