What You'll Learn
- Master the rotation of the femur within the hip socket for deeper, safer turnout.
- Maintain a still spine and correct pelvic alignment to improve balance and ankle stability.
- Refine the coordination of the knee and heel during slow-motion frappé drills.
- Effectively stretch the hip flexors to ensure proper leg placement in arabesque.
- Develop core engagement through the 'Goldilocks' principle of chest and pelvic placement.
About This Video
Unlock the secrets to sustainable and functional turnout with this comprehensive Technique Barre class from Broche Ballet. This 50-minute session is designed for the dancer who wants to move beyond superficial rotation and dive deep into the mechanics of the hip and spine. By focusing on slow, deliberate movements, you will build the necessary strength and proprioception to improve your overall technique.
The class begins with fundamental exercises like demi-plié and tendu, where we establish the 'Goldilocks' principle of pelvic alignment. You will learn to find the sweet spot where the chest remains wide but vertically short, preventing the common mistake of arching the lower back during cambré or active leg movements. This spinal stillness is the key to achieving stability in your ankles and maintaining a strong center during more complex combinations.
A major highlight of this lesson is the focus on the mechanics of turnout. Instead of forcing the feet, we explore the rotation of the femur within the hip socket. You will practice the essential 'knee back, heel forward' action, specifically during dégagé and rond de jambe.
We also address the importance of stretching the hip flexors during en cloche movements to ensure the leg can move freely into a correct arabesque position without compromising the pelvis. As we progress through the barre, we introduce slow-motion frappé and fondu drills. These exercises are meticulously designed to refine the coordination of the lower leg, ensuring the knee and heel trade places efficiently during the strike.
By slowing down these traditionally fast movements, you build the muscular endurance required for professional-level execution. Whether you are working on your su-su or refining your retiré, the principles taught in this class will provide you with a more stable and aesthetically pleasing ballet line. Join us at Broche Ballet to transform your technique through mindful practice.
