What You'll Learn
- Master the scooting heel technique to rotate smoothly in a promenade.
- Engage the upper back to drive rotation while maintaining a stable torso.
- Perfect your head alignment to ensure stability in arabesque and retiré.
- Develop the control needed to prevent twisting or dumping weight off-center.
- Utilize upward energy and momentum to create effortless slow turns.
About This Video
Welcome to the first installment of our Step-by-Step series at Broche Ballet, where we dive deep into one of the most elegant yet challenging movements in the dancer’s repertoire: the promenade, also known as tour lent. This 27-minute practice session is designed to deconstruct the mechanics of rotating slowly on one leg while maintaining a beautiful, static position like arabesque or retiré. In this class, we move beyond just spinning and focus on the intricate muscular control required for a successful promenade.
You will learn how the heel acts as a wind sail, providing the tiny scoots necessary to travel in a circle without losing your center. We place a heavy emphasis on the role of the upper back; rather than twisting from the waist, you will discover how to use your back to push around the vertical axis. This ensures that your torso remains a solid, unified unit, preventing the dumping of the head or shoulders that often causes a loss of balance.
Stability is the core theme of this lesson. Whether you are in passé or arabesque, the instructor guides you through exercises that challenge your proprioception. We discuss the check system—learning how to feel when your weight is drifting and how to use momentum correctly to stay upright.
By focusing on keeping the head directly on top of the standing foot, you will develop the verticality needed for more advanced center work. At Broche Ballet, we believe that technique is a journey. This class encourages patience and persistence.
By breaking down the promenade into these fundamental components, you will build the muscle memory required to execute turns with grace and confidence. Join us as we refine your alignment, strengthen your core, and master the art of the slow turn.
