What You'll Learn
- Techniques to prevent rib flare and maintain a connected core during cambré and port de bras.
- How to achieve a perfectly vertical pelvis in grand plié to avoid tilting the hips.
- Using the tendu à la seconde "audition pose" as a diagnostic tool for alignment and turnout.
- Stabilizing the upper back and shoulder blades during dynamic movements like grand battement.
- Improving balance and center stability in retiré by keeping the weight forward and the core still.
About This Video
Welcome to Week #4 of our Technique Barre series at Broche Ballet. In this session, we delve deep into the nuances of upper body placement and alignment, which are the cornerstones of classical form. Often, dancers focus so much on their leg work that the torso becomes an afterthought.
However, stability in the ribs, pelvis, and spine is what allows for effortless extensions and secure balances. Our 48-minute class guides you through a traditional ballet barre designed to challenge your core stillness while maintaining fluid port de bras. We begin with demi-plié and grand plié, where the primary focus is on maintaining a vertical pelvis.
Many dancers struggle with "sitting back" or sticking the hips out during deep bends; here, we emphasize keeping the head, rib cage, and pelvis stacked in one vertical line to ensure proper weight distribution. As we move into tendu and dégagé, we introduce the "audition pose"—a tendu à la seconde that serves as a diagnostic tool for your overall placement. This helps ensure your shoulders are down, your elbows are supported, and your weight is correctly positioned over the standing leg.
" During cambré and transitions, it is common for the ribs to pop forward, breaking the classical line and disengaging the core. You will learn specific cues to knit the ribs together and pull them down toward the opposite hip bone. This connection is vital during exercises like fondu and frappé, where upper body stillness allows the working leg to move with precision and speed without disturbing your center of gravity.
Finally, we tackle balance through relevé and retiré. By understanding how shoulder blade placement and core engagement work together, you will find a more secure su-su and improved recovery in your movements. This class is an essential deep dive for any dancer looking to refine their technique and move with the poise and strength required for advanced ballet.
