What You'll Learn
- How to engage the lats and shoulder blades to counterbalance the leg during d velopp .
- Techniques for lengthening the side of the body to maintain stability in side and back positions.
- The role of proper hip alignment in driving balance during arabesque and back extensions.
- Strategies for analyzing and correcting your posture after losing balance to improve muscle memory.
- Core engagement exercises specifically designed to support long durations on demi-pointe.
About This Video
Mastering balance is one of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of ballet. In this 42-minute Technique Barre session from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of stability on demi-pointe. Rather than just 'holding still,' you will learn the active muscular engagements required to remain steady as your center of gravity shifts. The class focuses on slow, controlled combinations that allow you to analyze your body positioning in real-time.
A primary focus of this lesson is the relationship between the upper body and the working leg. You will explore how creating downward energy through the lats and shoulder blades acts as a necessary counterbalance when performing a d velopp to the front. We often think of balance as being centered in the legs, but true stability comes from the core and the broad muscles of the back. By engaging the lats, you create a solid anchor that prevents the weight of the leg from pulling you off your vertical axis.
As we move through combinations to the side and back, the instructor emphasizes the importance of lengthening the side of the body. You will learn specific strategies for maintain balance in arabesque, focusing on how the hip must drive the movement and remain forward over the standing foot. We also touch upon the transition into a fouett , ensuring the spine remains elongated throughout the rotation.
At Broche Ballet, we believe that falling is simply a data point in your training. This class encourages you to analyze why a balance was lost—whether it was a collapsed arch, a shifted hip, or a loss of core engagement—so you can make precise adjustments in your next attempt. Through repetition and slow-motion practice, you will develop the strength and muscle memory needed to achieve a rock-solid relev . Whether you are working toward pointe work or simply want to feel more secure in your center practice, these barre exercises provide the essential foundation for every dancer.
