What You'll Learn
- Refine the entrance and initial run-on sequence from upstage stage left.
- Practice the coordination of port de bras and allongé lines during directional changes.
- Master the transitions between soutenu, fondu, and attitude positions.
- Develop rhythmic accuracy by switching between slow marking and full-tempo execution.
About This Video
Welcome to this specialized rehearsal session from Broche Ballet, focusing on the iconic "Waltz of the Hours" variation from the classical masterpiece, Coppélia. This video is designed for dancers who have already learned the choreography and are ready to refine their execution through deliberate practice and repetition. We focus specifically on Section 1, taking you from the initial entrance to the first major phrasing of the piece.
The session begins with a slow-motion marking of the choreography. This is a crucial phase for any dancer to reinforce muscle memory and ensure that every transition is technically sound. You will focus on the entrance from upstage stage left, working on the precision of your footwork as you move into the center. We pay close attention to the use of port de bras, specifically the use of allongé to create length and grace. You will practice the fluid transitions between soutenu and fondu, ensuring that your weight is correctly placed before moving into attitude back and attitude front positions. Mastering these transitions in slow motion allows you to find the perfect alignment in cinquième position before the tempo increases.
Following the slow review, we move into a full-speed run-through with music. This allows you to apply the technical corrections to the waltz rhythm, focusing on musicality and artistic phrasing. This dual-speed approach is the most effective way to build the stamina and coordination required for a stage-ready performance. Whether you are preparing for a performance or simply wishing to expand your repertoire knowledge, this focused practice session provides the repetition and technical insight needed to dance this variation with confidence and elegance. Join us as we refine the beauty and precision of the Waltz of the Hours.