What You'll Learn
- Techniques for maintaining turnout when descending from demi-pointe
- How to use a 'promenade' heel action to stabilize the fondu
- Exercises to strengthen active leg rotation in the hip socket
- Strategies for building muscle memory through slow, deliberate repetition
- Maintaining body alignment and control through fourth and second positions
About This Video
Refining your ballet technique requires patience, focus, and a consistent return to the fundamentals. In this comprehensive slow barre session from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of turnout and leg rotation. Unlike a fast-paced class where technical flaws can be hidden by momentum, this slow-tempo practice forces you to find stability and control in every movement.
A major focus of this session is maintaining turnout during transitions, particularly when moving from demi-pointe to a flat position. The instructor demonstrates how to actively engage the muscles of the hip to keep the knee tracking over the toes even as gravity pulls you down. One of the key takeaways is the concept of swiveling the heel forward, much like a promenade, as you descend from a fondu or relevé.
This subtle adjustment ensures that the rotation is driven from the top of the leg rather than just the ankles. Throughout the 40-minute class, you will explore various exercises including plié, fondu, and positions such as fourth and second position. The instructor emphasizes that turnout is not a static position but an active, constant effort.
You will learn to use your standing leg to maintain rotation while the working leg performs brushes and extensions. By practicing these movements with high repetition—the instructor recommends specific drills up to eight times a day—you build the muscle memory necessary for more advanced steps like the pirouette. Whether you are struggling with dropping your turnout during complex combinations or simply want to strengthen your lower body, this slow barre practice provides the tools needed for technical growth.
By slowing down the movements, you can focus on body alignment, core engagement, and the intricate details of footwork that define a polished dancer. Join us at Broche Ballet to transform your technique through mindful, deliberate practice.
