What You'll Learn
- Master the coordination of demi-pliés and relevés across all five positions to build foundational strength and balance.
- Practice 'zipping' the inner thighs and legs together when rising and lowering to maintain stability and turnout.
- Develop foot articulation and isolation through slow and fast frappé patterns and flex-point exercises.
- Refine weight transfers and fluidity using temps lié and chassé during adagio and stretch sequences.
- Focus on upper body alignment, ensuring elbows remain lifted and forward during port de bras and cambré movements.
About This Video
Refining your technique requires patience and precision. In this 42-minute beginner ballet barre class from Broche Ballet, we slow down the tempo to focus on the essential building blocks of classical dance. This session is meticulously structured to help you develop proper alignment, core engagement, and functional strength through a comprehensive series of exercises.
The class begins with fundamental demi and grand pliés, where the focus is on maintaining a neutral pelvis and initiating turnout from the hips and heels. As we move into tendus and dégagés, you will explore varied tempos and piqué accents to improve foot articulation. Our instructor provides detailed cues on hip stabilization, ensuring that your supporting leg remains strong and grounded as the working leg moves through space.
One of the core themes of this practice is the concept of 'zipping' the legs together. Whether you are performing a simple relevé or a complex sous-sus, learning to engage the inner thighs and glutes is vital for stability and balance. We also dive into ronds de jambe to improve hip mobility and frappés to sharpen foot isolation.
These movements prepare the body for the more fluid transitions found in the fondu and temps lié segments, where coordination and smooth weight transfers are key. Beyond the lower body, this class emphasizes the importance of the upper body and port de bras. You will practice maintaining lifted elbows and a long neck during cambré and adagio movements, fostering a graceful yet powerful presence.
The session concludes with grand battements to build dynamic power and a series of calf raises to solidify ankle strength. Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced dancer returning to basics, this structured barre provides the perfect environment to refine your craft and build lasting stability.
