What You'll Learn
- The 'swiping' mechanics of the foot through demi-pointe into a clean cou-de-pied
- How to apply physics and counterbalancing to maintain stability in developpé and arabesque
- Coordination of port de bras with leg movements to improve timing and reduce cognitive load
- Maintaining turnout and alignment during piqué sous-sus and weight transitions
About This Video
Transitioning from the barre to the center is one of the most challenging milestones in a dancer's journey. In this 18-minute session from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of slow center work, focusing on the stability and coordination required to dance without the support of the barre. This class is specifically designed to help dancers move with more confidence and grace by breaking down complex transitions into manageable technical components.
We begin with a series of tendu combinations designed to synchronize your port de bras with your leg movements. By establishing this coordination early, we reduce the cognitive load during more complex center exercises, allowing you to focus on your turnout and alignment. A significant portion of the class is dedicated to mastering the mechanics of the waltz step.
You will learn the specific "swiping" action of the foot through demi-pointe to reach a clean cou-de-pied position, ensuring your toes are pointed and your heel is properly connected to the calf. One of the most valuable sections of this class involves the physics of balance. At Broche Ballet, we believe that understanding the "why" behind a movement helps you execute it better.
You will learn how to treat your working leg as a weight that must be counterbalanced. Whether you are performing a developpé, a passé, or an arabesque, you will practice leaning the head or adjusting the hips to maintain a steady center of gravity. Technical precision is also emphasized through piqué sous-sus and transitions.
We focus on maintaining turnout by consciously pushing the knee to the side when landing from a relevé or transitioning weight through tombé movements. By the end of this class, you will have a better grasp of how to maintain professional alignment and timing, ensuring that your arms and legs arrive at their peak positions simultaneously. This class offers the tools you need to improve your stability and artistic expression in the center.
