What You'll Learn
- Distinguish between croisé (crossed) and effacé (open) leg positions
- Execute the écarté position with correct hip alignment toward the corner
- Understand how specific body angles influence the visual length and aesthetic of your lines
- Navigate the different directions for legs: devant (front) and derrière (back)
- Apply professional 'modeling' principles to your ballet technique for better stage presence
About This Video
In this concise tutorial from Broche Ballet, we explore the intricate world of body directions in classical dance. To the untrained eye, ballet may seem like a series of movements performed directly toward the audience, but the true beauty of the art form lies in its specific angles. This crash course focuses on the three primary directions that every dancer must master: croisé, effacé, and écarté.
" In this position, the dancer stands at an angle to the audience so that their legs appear crossed from the front view. We break down the nuances of croisé devant (front) and croisé derrière (back), showing how the positioning of the leg closest to the corner creates a sophisticated, closed line. " Unlike the crossed appearance of croisé, effacé positions allow both legs to be seen clearly by the audience, creating an open and expansive line.
Mastering effacé devant and effacé derrière is essential for performing adagio and allegro sequences with clarity. Finally, the video covers écarté, a position where the dancer’s hips face the corner while the leg is extended to the side (à la seconde). This position is perhaps the most striking, as it utilizes diagonal lines to maximize the dancer's presence in the space.
We discuss how to maintain proper hip alignment while reaching toward the corner in both écarté devant and écarté derrière. Why do these angles matter? As you will learn, ballet is a visual art form similar to modeling.
By changing the direction of your body relative to the audience, you can manipulate perspective—making the legs appear longer or the torso more expressive. This lesson is an essential step for dancers moving into intermediate levels, as it bridges the gap between simple exercises and true artistry. Join us at Broche Ballet to refine your technique and command the stage with confidence.
