What You'll Learn
- The technical difference between pushing and grabbing the barre
- How to position your thumb to prevent over-gripping and tension
- Ways to engage back and shoulder muscles for better balance
- How to use the barre to strengthen muscles in unstable positions
About This Video
The ballet barre is much more than a simple handrail for balance; it is a vital tool for developing the strength and alignment necessary for professional-level technique. At Broche Ballet, we focus on helping adult dancers understand the 'why' behind every movement. One of the most common mistakes dancers make is 'grabbing' or 'clinging' to the barre during difficult exercises.
This often happens instinctively when we feel off-balance, but it creates unnecessary tension in the neck and shoulders while disengaging the core. In this guide, we explore why you should push down on the barre instead of pulling on it. By pushing down with your palm and keeping your thumb parallel to the barre, you effectively engage the large muscles in your back and shoulders.
This engagement provides a solid foundation of stability that is essential when you transition from the barre to center work. Furthermore, the barre allows you to work at the very edge of your current ability. It enables you to explore 'unstable' positions—those that you might not yet be able to hold in the center—so you can safely build the muscle memory and strength required to eventually perform them unsupported.
Whether you are practicing a deep plié or working on your turnout, your relationship with the barre dictates your progress. By utilizing the barre as a source of resistance rather than a crutch, you can expand your range of motion and deepen your technical proficiency. Using the barre correctly ensures that you are training the right muscle groups and protecting your joints from injury, leading to a more graceful and powerful dance practice.
