What You'll Learn
- Techniques for executing controlled relevés in the center without barre support
- How to land precisely in fifth position from turns and jumps like pirouettes
- Drills for pas de cheval and assemblé to improve foot articulation en pointe
- Methods for improving balance and spatial awareness through target practice
- The importance of the plié sous-sous for stability and transitions
About This Video
Transitioning from the barre to the center is one of the most challenging and rewarding stages of pointe work training. In this Broche Ballet session, "Venturing Off the Barre," we dive deep into the mechanics of balance, control, and precision while en pointe. This class is specifically designed to help dancers move beyond the safety of the barre and find their center of gravity in the middle of the room.
We begin by fine-tuning your relevé technique. A solid relevé is the foundation of all pointe work, and here we focus on the power of the push-off and the stability of the ankles. We explore variations of the relevé, including straight-leg rises and the fluid pas de cheval, ensuring that you build the necessary strength in your metatarsals and calves to maintain height and poise without support.
A significant portion of this class focuses on the art of the landing. Whether you are coming down from a pirouette or an assemblé, the ability to find a crisp, secure fifth position is vital for both safety and aesthetic. We use target practice techniques to help you develop spatial awareness and muscle memory, allowing you to land accurately every time, regardless of where you are in the studio.
You will learn to execute a deep plié sous-sous to absorb impact and maintain a tight, controlled silhouette. By practicing these movements in different directions—front, side, and back—you will cultivate a well-rounded sense of balance. We also emphasize tightening your position before transitioning, a professional secret to maintaining lines and preventing wobbles.
This class isn't just about technical drills; it's about exploring and playing with your movement to gain the confidence needed for complex center combinations.
