What You'll Learn
- How to maintain proper foot shape during complex transitions
- Technical execution of fondu and développé combinations
- The mechanical differences between grand rond de jambe and enveloppé
- Strategies for improving turnout and alignment from the hips to the toes
About This Video
Welcome to this specialized technique barre session from Broche Ballet, designed to deepen your understanding of foot articulation and lower body mechanics. In this 37-minute class, we dive deep into the specific shapes the foot must create during transitions, a critical component for any dancer looking to achieve professional-level precision. Whether you are dancing in flat slippers or preparing for pointe work, the way you shape your foot defines your line and stability.
The session begins with focused exercises at the barre, specifically targeting the coordination between the supporting and working legs. You will practice detailed sequences involving développé and fondu, learning how to maintain a "melting" quality without sacrificing the integrity of your arch or ankle alignment. A major focus of this class is understanding the subtle differences between grand rond de jambe and enveloppé movements. By dissecting these steps, you will learn exactly where your weight should shift and how your toes should track across the floor to maximize aesthetic lines and functional stability.
One of the most challenging aspects of ballet is maintaining proper foot shape when transitioning through various heights and directions. Our instructor provides real-time feedback and cues to help you keep your toes pointed toward the floor, ensuring that your foot does not "sickle" or "fish" during complex movements like arabesque or high dégagé. We also explore the concept of center turnout, helping you correct your alignment from the hip down through the heel for a more secure and grounded stance.
This class encourages you to slow down and feel the floor, using the tendu as a foundational tool to find your center of gravity. By the end of this session, you will have a clearer mental map of your foot’s path through space, leading to more secure balances and more fluid transitions in your center work. Join us at Broche Ballet to refine your technique and build the strong, expressive feet required for advanced classical repertoire.