What You'll Learn
- How to engage the shoulder blades to create a powerful first position for pirouettes
- Techniques for stabilizing the rib cage and pectorals during fluid port de bras
- The mechanics of arm placement and back strength to increase turning speed
- Integrating upper body control into advanced center combinations like tombé and soutenu
About This Video
In this advanced ballet center practice, we dive deep into the often-overlooked mechanics of the upper body. While footwork is the foundation of any ballet class, true power and professional-level control come from the integration of the back and arms. At Broche Ballet, we believe that understanding the 'why' behind the movement is just as important as the 'how.' This session focuses specifically on the role of the shoulder blades in maintaining stability and generating force.
Throughout the class, we will explore how to keep the shoulder blades flat and engaged against the back, even as the arms move through dynamic port de bras. This engagement is crucial for successful pirouettes; if the shoulder blades drift, the center of gravity shifts, leading to wobbly turns. You will learn specific exercises to strengthen the back muscles to counteract the pull of the pectorals, ensuring that your arms move from a place of strength rather than just habit.
We apply these concepts to a series of advanced center combinations involving tendu, tombé, and soutenu. By focusing on the 'reverse port de bras' and the coordination of the rib cage, you will develop a more cohesive and powerful presence on the dance floor. A key takeaway from this lesson is that a powerful arm is one that requires effort to move—indicating that you are truly pushing against your own resistance to create momentum. This resistance is what provides the necessary speed for advanced turns.
Join us as we refine these subtle but vital details. By the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of how to use your upper body to support your lower body, resulting in cleaner turns, more expressive arms, and a more commanded presence in the center. This is an essential practice for any dancer looking to elevate their technique to the next level.
