What You'll Learn
- Master the 'ballet dichotomy' of lifting the elbows while actively pulling the shoulders down.
- Stabilize the torso against leg momentum during rapid movements like *dégagé* and *grand battement*.
- Maintain maximum neck length and proper head alignment during complex *cambré* movements.
- Utilize the *barre* with a flat palm to engage the lats and stabilize the shoulder blades.
- Create internal resistance in the back to support an energized and long *port de bras*.
About This Video
Achieve a graceful and stable upper body in this 47-minute Technique Barre class from Broche Ballet. This comprehensive session is specifically designed to address common postural challenges, focusing on the refined placement of the shoulders and the lengthening of the neck to create a professional line. Whether you are an intermediate adult dancer or looking to return to basics, mastering the 'ballet dichotomy'—the intentional resistance of reaching through the elbows and fingers while simultaneously pressing the shoulders down toward the heels—is essential for a polished aesthetic.
The class begins with a classical sequence of *demi-plié* and *cambré*, where the instructor emphasizes the importance of maintaining maximum space between the ears and shoulders. You will learn to swivel the head on its axis during movements to the front, side, and back without compromising your vertical alignment or creating unnecessary tension in the neck. As the energy of the class increases with *tendu* and *dégagé*, the focus shifts toward deep core stability.
You will practice bracing your midsection against the weight and momentum of the legs to ensure the upper body remains calm, poised, and unshakeable, even during rapid transitions. Throughout the *ronds de jambe* and *fondu* exercises, we explore how to utilize the *barre* as a tool for postural feedback rather than just a balance aid. By pressing down with a flat palm, you can more effectively engage your lats and stabilize your shoulder blades, providing a solid foundation for your free-moving *port de bras*.
This engagement is crucial for preventing the shoulders from hiking up during *en relevé* or high leg extensions. The class further challenges your coordination with *enveloppé*, *développé*, and *grand battement*, testing your ability to decouple shoulder tension from dynamic leg work. By the end of this session, you will have a deeper understanding of how to use internal resistance to support your frame and ensure your *arabesque* looks long and energized.
