What You'll Learn
- The precise timing of the promenade by lifting the standing heel relative to the working leg's position.
- How to coordinate the shoulder and knee to keep the body unified during a pirouette rotation.
- Engagement of the gluteus medius to maintain turnout and prevent the working knee from dropping.
- The 'pivot and press' drill to improve the transition from fourth position into a clean passé.
- Techniques for managing rotational momentum through the hip socket rather than the upper body.
About This Video
Take your turning technique to the next level with Class #9 of our Turning Drills series at Broche Ballet. This session is meticulously designed to help dancers understand the complex mechanics behind both pirouettes and promenades. Whether you are struggling to maintain balance during a slow rotation or looking to achieve a consistent single pirouette, this class offers the functional drills you need to succeed through proper skeletal alignment and muscular engagement.
We begin with a focused warm-up that transitions into specialized exercises targeting the coordination of the shoulder and the knee. One of the key concepts explored is the idea of the shoulder 'chasing' the knee during a rotation, which helps keep the body unified and prevents twisting of the torso. You will also learn the precise timing required for a promenade, specifically focusing on when to lift the standing heel as the working leg moves through à la seconde.
A significant portion of the class is dedicated to the 'pivot and press' drill. This exercise helps refine the path of the working leg as it moves from fourth position into a clean passé or retiré. By emphasizing the movement of the femur head within the hip socket, dancers learn to manage momentum without compromising their center.
We also delve into the importance of the gluteus medius and deep rotators in maintaining turnout throughout the preparation and the turn itself. Throughout the 18-minute session, you will practice foundational movements like tendu, dégagé, and rond de jambe to prepare the body for the dynamic requirements of turning. By the end of this class, you will have a deeper understanding of how to use your hips and back to drive rotation, leading to more stable and controlled turns.
Join us at Broche Ballet to build a stronger, more technical foundation for your center work.
