What You'll Learn
- How to originate turnout from the glutes for more stable and rotated positions.
- The 'heel forward, knee back' mechanics for proper leg extension in développé.
- Techniques for maintaining constant floor pressure during tendu to build foot strength.
- Proper alignment and muscle engagement during complex temps lié combinations.
About This Video
Focusing on the foundational elements of ballet technique, this 47-minute Technique Barre class at Broche Ballet is designed to help you find a deeper connection to your movements. By slowing down the tempo, we strip away the momentum and force you to rely on proper muscle engagement and alignment. The primary focus of this session is the tendu—the fundamental building block of all ballet footwork—alongside dégagé and développé.
We begin by exploring the concept of origination. True turnout doesn't happen at the feet; it starts at the hip. You will learn how to use the muscles under the glutes to wrap the leg and maintain rotation throughout every combination.
Throughout the class, we emphasize the 'scrubbing' action of the foot against the floor, ensuring you maintain constant pressure to build strength in the metatarsals and intrinsic muscles of the foot. A key highlight of this class is the detailed breakdown of the développé and temps lié. We focus on the mechanics of 'heel forward, knee back,' a mantra that ensures your leg remains turned out even as it extends away from your center.
By squeezing the legs together and finding that internal lift, you will develop the stability needed for more advanced center work. The instructor provides constant corrections on alignment, reminding you to keep your weight over the balls of your feet and your core engaged. Whether you are working on your demi-pointe or trying to master the transition through a smooth temps lié, this class provides the technical tools you need.
By the end of the barre, you will have a better understanding of how to use your floor pressure and turnout to create clean, professional lines. This class is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and find the precision that transforms good dancing into great artistry.
