What You'll Learn
- How to neutralize swayback and hunchback for better core stability
- Proper hip and shoulder alignment during développé and passé
- Visual cues to maintain a straight spine during complex barre work
- Techniques to improve balance by staying over the standing leg
About This Video
Posture is the foundation of all classical ballet, and in this 44-minute Technique Barre class from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of the upper back and spine. Many dancers struggle with postural habits like swayback (excessive lumbar curvature) or hunchback (thoracic kyphosis), which can hinder core engagement and balance. This session provides the tools to neutralize these alignments, ensuring your spine stays straight and resilient throughout every movement.
We begin by exploring how to maintain a vertical spine during foundational movements such as tendu and coup-de-pied. One of the key takeaways is the relationship between the hips and the upper body; as you extend the leg in a développé to the front, your hips must adjust slightly back to keep your weight centered. Conversely, when moving to the side, it is crucial to keep the back in front of the legs to avoid falling behind your center.
Throughout the class, we practice keeping the shoulders stacked directly over the hips. This alignment is vital during complex movements like enveloppé and passé, where the temptation to lean or twist can compromise your stability. You will learn to visualize your shoulder staying in front of your knee, a cue that helps maintain a forward-leaning energy that is essential for turns and big jumps later in the center.
By the end of the class, you will have a better understanding of how to flatten a curved spine by engaging the deep abdominal muscles. Whether you are working on the height of your développé or the precision of your retiré, these postural corrections will elevate your technique and help you move with the grace and strength of a professional. Join Broche Ballet to refine your alignment and master the art of the up and over feeling in every exercise.
