What You'll Learn
- The anatomical reason why parallel balance differs from turnout
- Why your toes can't catch you when you fall in a balletic position
- The true purpose of the barre in developing independent stability
- How to shift your focus from foot reflexes to muscular engagement
About This Video
Balancing in the center is one of the most common hurdles for dancers of all levels. At Broche Ballet, we often hear students express frustration when they move away from the barre and suddenly feel like they have lost their sense of equilibrium. This video explains that this struggle is not only normal but is actually rooted in human anatomy and the unique requirements of ballet technique.
In everyday life, our feet are positioned in parallel. Our bodies have a built-in mechanism to prevent us from falling: if we lean too far forward, our toes press into the ground to push us back; if we lean too far back, our heels and the structure of our ankles catch us. This natural safety net allows us to walk and stand without much thought.
However, once we move into a turned-out position, everything changes. In turnout, your toes are pointing toward the sides of the room. This means they are no longer positioned to catch you if you lose your balance forward or backward.
You have essentially removed your body's primary forward-back stabilization system. To maintain a steady relevé or a solid retiré in the center, you can no longer rely on your feet's natural reflexes. Instead, you must develop a completely new way to balance.
This involves engaging deep core muscles and the rotators in the hips to create a stable central column of support. This is exactly why we spend so much time at the barre. The barre acts as a training tool to help you build the necessary muscular strength and awareness without the immediate risk of falling.
By understanding that your body has to relearn how to stand, you can approach your center work with more patience and focused intention. Through consistent practice at Broche Ballet, you will transition from relying on your toes to relying on your internal strength, leading to beautiful, effortless-looking balances in the center.
