What You'll Learn
- Techniques for lifting the back of the head to create length and height
- Correct shoulder positioning to avoid tension during grand pliés
- How to maintain upper body alignment during dégagé and développé
- The relationship between head placement and improved balance at the barre
- Breathing exercises to help keep the shoulders relaxed and down
About This Video
In the world of classical ballet, the carriage of the upper body is what distinguishes a proficient dancer from a truly elegant one. This 44-minute Technique Barre class at Broche Ballet is specifically designed to help you find that elusive long and beautiful neck by focusing on the subtle nuances of head and shoulder alignment. Many dancers mistakenly believe that a long neck comes from lifting the chin.
However, as you will discover in this session, true length is achieved by lifting from the back of the crown. This simple adjustment not only makes you appear taller but also aligns the spine correctly, allowing for better balance during challenging movements like relevé. We explore how this lift interacts with the rest of the body, ensuring your posture remains regal throughout the entire class.
The shoulders play an equally vital role in your overall silhouette. Our instructor emphasizes the importance of keeping the shoulders down and wide, particularly when moving through a grand plié or extending into a développé. By pulling the shoulders down and away from the ears, you create more space for the neck to move freely, which is essential for proper épaulement.
Throughout this practice, we apply these concepts to standard barre work, including pliés, tendu, and dégagé. You will learn how to maintain a calm breath while keeping the upper body engaged, preventing the common mistake of raising the shoulders when the exercises become more physically demanding. This class is an excellent opportunity for intermediate and advanced students to refine their technical foundation and bring a professional polish to their dancing.
At Broche Ballet, we believe that focusing on these technical details is the key to unlocking your full potential as a dancer and improving your presence both on and off the stage.
