Step-by-Step Ballet Instruction: Mastering the Balancé and Waltz

Welcome back to our Step by Step series at Broche Ballet. In this second installment of our three-part series, we are diving deep into one of the most quintessential movements in the ballet repertoire: the balancé. Often referred to as the waltz step, the balancé is a rhythmic, three-step movement that requires a delicate blend of strength, grace, and musicality. Throughout this session, we focus on the precision required to execute these movements with both fluidity and control.

In this 21-minute practice session, your instructor breaks down the mechanics of the balancé into three distinct variations. First, we explore the fanfare style, a more expansive version that utilizes a clear dégagé into a tombé and finishes with a precise coupé de pied. This version is perfect for large allegro movements and traveling across the floor. Next, we transition into a more subtle version of the waltz step, focusing on the tombé and the rise to demi-pointe without the extra flourish, which is ideal for tighter spaces or quicker musical tempos.

Transitioning between these styles can be tricky for even intermediate dancers. That is why this class emphasizes the connective tissue of ballet movement. You will learn how to use a pas de cheval or a petite de la paix to maintain your momentum and keep your footwork crisp. Throughout the video, the instructor provides essential technical cues, such as initiating movement from the knee rather than the hip and maintaining proper alignment to ensure your center of gravity remains stable during complex sequences.

Whether you are practicing in a studio or your home space, this class offers the guidance you need to move from simply doing the steps to truly dancing. By practicing these waltz variations and focusing on the nuances of the coupé and dégagé, you will build the muscle memory necessary for fluid, effortless movement. Join us at Broche Ballet as we refine your technique one step at a time.