What You'll Learn
- Strategies for maintaining alignment through the shoulders, hips, and feet.
- Core-strengthening port de bras movements to challenge center stability.
- Technique for executing fondu and ronds de jambe en l'air away from the barre.
- Tempo-building drills for petite allegro to improve foot speed and precision.
- Effective stretching techniques to release tension after intense balance work.
About This Video
Finding your stability in the centre is a hallmark of a strong dancer. At Broche Ballet, we understand that balance isn't just a static moment; it's a dynamic coordination of the entire body. This quick class focuses on the essential drills needed to master your equilibrium without the support of the barre.
By stripping away the physical support of the rail, you are forced to rely on your core engagement and the precise alignment of your shoulders, hips, and feet. The session starts with fundamental work in first position. By moving through port de bras—specifically bras through first and opening to second—you challenge your core to stay engaged while the limbs move independently.
We then transition into more complex movements like ronds de jambe en l'air and fondu. The fondu is particularly effective for center work, as it forces the dancer to find depth in the plié while maintaining a tall, vertical spine. A significant portion of this class is dedicated to petite allegro progressions.
We start with a slow tempo to ensure every relevé and landing is precise. We then increase the speed to medium and fast tempos, which is vital for developing the 'quick feet' required for advanced dancing. This progression helps you maintain your center of gravity even when the movements become rapid and complex.
Incorporating these drills into your regular routine helps bridge the gap between barre work and full center combinations. These exercises are designed to replicate that security through internal muscle engagement and the use of the breath to stabilize the torso. We finish the session with a quick back stretch and a flex to ensure your muscles remain long and supple.
This focused approach to balancing will give you the confidence to tackle any center combination with grace and control.
