What You'll Learn
- How to maintain perpendicular leg alignment and keep your weight over your ankles during the forward bend.
- The importance of forward hand placement and allongé to prevent hip displacement and maximize reach.
- Techniques for utilizing the barre for support specifically when practicing cambré in first position.
- How to return to an upright position using a high fifth arm placement while keeping the hips forward.
- Methods to avoid the "rebound" effect to ensure your hamstring and lower back stretch remains effective.
About This Video
Mastering the cambré front is a fundamental skill in ballet that bridges the gap between simple stretching and refined artistic movement. In this Broche Ballet "Step by Step" tutorial, we break down the mechanics of the forward bend to ensure you are gaining flexibility while protecting your alignment. One of the most common mistakes dancers make during a cambré front is allowing the hips to shift backward.
To counter this, it is essential to keep your legs perpendicular to the floor and your weight centered over your ankles throughout the entire movement. When transitioning into the descent, focus on the coordination between your upper body and your arm. By taking your hand forward into an allongé position, you create the space necessary to stretch deeply without compromising the position of your pelvis.
This video demonstrates how to hold a flat back as you go down, which not only stretches the hamstrings effectively but also engages and strengthens the lower back muscles. The use of the barre is particularly important when practicing in first position. Without the support of the barre, it is incredibly difficult to maintain the necessary forward lean without the hips drifting.
We also discuss how to return to an upright position gracefully, bringing the arm through a high fifth position while keeping the hips forward. Avoiding the common "rebound" or pulling back at the bottom of the movement is key to maintaining the integrity of the stretch and preventing injury. Whether you are working toward a full penché or simply looking to improve your grace at the barre, this tutorial provides the technical foundation you need to succeed in your ballet journey.
