Ballet Center Practice: Simple Combinations for Better Balance

Moving away from the support of the barre is one of the most challenging transitions in a dancer's journey. In this 19-minute session from Broche Ballet, instructor Julie guides you through a "Just the Center" practice designed to build confidence, stability, and technical precision. This class focuses on simple combinations that allow you to apply the foundational technique you’ve built at the barre to the open floor.

The core philosophy of this lesson is not perfection, but awareness. By practicing movements like tendu, battement, and passé in the center, you will begin to notice your body’s natural tendencies and learn how to correct your alignment in real-time. Julie emphasizes the importance of fighting for the balance—holding onto a position even when it feels unstable—to discover your full range of control.

One of the highlights of this practice is the focus on pirouette landings. Instead of immediately putting your foot down for support, you are encouraged to stay in the movement, learning how to use your core and standing leg to find stability. We also explore the critical role of head movement and épaulement.

You will learn how shifting your gaze and maintaining a lift through the torso can drastically improve your success in balances and turns. Whether you are working on a clean relevé or a complex pirouette, this class provides the space to test your limits. By the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of how to maintain your technique throughout a routine, ensuring you finish every combination with strength and poise.

Join us at Broche Ballet and find your center today.