What You'll Learn
- Mastering the mechanics of the turning passé by aligning the shoulders and focus.
- Developing a vertical 'up' sensation in fourth position relevé for better control.
- Integrating fondu and tombé for fluid movement transitions in the center.
- Applying concepts of écarté and grand rond de jambe to improve turn quality.
About This Video
Take your en pointe practice to the next level with this targeted intermediate center class from Broche Ballet. In just 17 minutes, we dive into a series of classic combinations designed to challenge your stability, alignment, and movement quality. This session is specifically crafted for dancers who have moved beyond the barre and are ready to tackle the complexities of the center without the safety of a support.
The class focuses heavily on the mechanics of the relevé and the passé. You will explore how to find 'up' in your movement, especially during fourth position relevé. Instead of focusing on the horizontal travel, the instructor emphasizes the vertical lift of the torso, allowing the legs to follow naturally into a clean, controlled position.
This verticality is the secret to achieving height and lightness in your turns. We also delve into turning passé combinations. To improve your rotation, the lesson guides you to think about where your body is facing and aiming for square shoulders throughout the turn.
You will practice the sensation of opening into écarté or grand rond de jambe to maintain the correct knee placement during the turn. This mental imagery helps in pressing the knee back and maintaining a strong, classical line. The flow of the class includes fondu and tombé sequences that help bridge the gap between static positions and dynamic movement.
By using the arms correctly during fondu movements, you can learn to land in different positions with grace, whether you are straightening into a relevé or transitioning into a grand rond de jambe fondu. Whether you are working on a single pirouette or a series of sus-sous, these exercises provide the technical foundation needed for advanced performance.
