Smooth Jazz Pliés & Tendus: Mastering Footwork and Auditory Precision

Elevate your barre practice with this unique 24-minute session from Broche Ballet, where we blend the rhythmic soul of jazz with the technical precision of classical ballet. This Smooth Jazz Pliés & Tendus class is designed to challenge your sensory awareness, specifically focusing on the sound your feet make as they interact with the floor. By paying close attention to the audible friction of a tendu or the soft but deliberate landing of a plié, you will develop a more profound connection to your movement and timing.

In this class, our instructor guides you through a series of exercises that emphasize long, flowing movements coupled with rigorous footwork. We dive deep into the mechanics of the tendu, encouraging you to make noise throughout the entire extension and closing. This auditory feedback serves as a real-time diagnostic tool; if you can hear each individual movement, you know you are maintaining the necessary resistance and control.

We also explore the plié with a jazz-inspired smoothness, ensuring that even the most fluid transitions remain technically sound. The session incorporates complex combinations involving sus-sous, passé, and movements à la seconde. You will be challenged to maintain a consistent rhythm while navigating these changes, focusing on zipping the legs together and leading with the correct muscles.

The instructor highlights the importance of being mindful of your landings, teaching you to think about the specific sound you want to create when coming down from a relevé or transition. Mastering these jazz-style pliés and tendus isn't just about style—it's about developing a deliberate and precise execution that will enhance your overall ballet technique. By the end of this practice, you will have a better understanding of how to use sound and sensation to anchor your dancing, leading to more controlled and expressive performances in the center.