What You'll Learn
- The 'Fabergé egg' visualization for delicate foot placement.
- How to resist gravity to create a weightless aesthetic.
- Techniques for controlling the descent of the foot in a pas de cheval.
- The importance of the standing leg in maintaining graceful transitions.
About This Video
The pas de cheval, or 'step of the horse,' is a beautiful and intricate ballet movement that often appears in barre sequences and center work. While it may seem like a simple flick of the foot, achieving true elegance requires a high level of control and intentionality. In this Quick Tidbit from Broche Ballet, we explore a transformative visualization technique to help you master the delicate nature of this step and elevate your overall artistry.
One of the most common mistakes in a pas de cheval is letting the foot drop heavily back to the floor. To combat this, we use the analogy of a Fabergé egg. Imagine that the floor beneath you is covered in these precious, fragile treasures. As you bring your foot back down from the dégagé or cou-de-pied position, you must place it with such care that you wouldn't even crack the shell. This mental image encourages the dancer to engage the muscles of the lower leg and foot, resisting gravity rather than surrendering to it.
Control is the hallmark of professional ballet technique. By focusing on the 'placement' of the foot rather than just the 'dropping' of it, you create an illusion of weightlessness. This requires a strong standing leg and a deep understanding of weight distribution. When you place the foot gently, you demonstrate that you are in total command of your body’s relationship with the barre and the floor.
Practicing this soft touch during your pas de cheval exercises will naturally translate into other areas of your dancing, such as tendu transitions and pointe work. It fosters a sense of light-footedness that is essential for graceful performance. At Broche Ballet, we believe that these small adjustments are the key to unlocking a more refined and professional aesthetic in your dancing. Join us as we dive into the nuances of footwork and help you dance with newfound lightness and precision.
