What You'll Learn
- Master grand plié alignment by keeping the head over the hips and engaging the glutes.
- Develop speed and power in sous-sous using aggressive hip and heel engagement.
- Improve center stability by overcrossing the feet during pas de bourrée transitions.
- Refine foot articulation by consistently rolling through the demi-pointe and the box.
- Utilize correct head placement to maintain a stable axis during piqué turns and weight shifts.
About This Video
In this 39-minute Beyond Beginner session, Broche Ballet guides you through the pivotal technical transition from two-handed barre support to one-handed work and fluidly moving into center combinations. This class is specifically designed for adult dancers looking to refine their technique and find greater independence from the barre, which is a crucial step for developing the stability required for advanced center work and eventual pointe work. The lesson begins with a technical deep dive into grand plié alignment.
Maintaining a vertical axis is essential; you will learn how to keep the head positioned directly over the hips while engaging the glutes to prevent the common mistake of leaning forward toward the floor. This foundational alignment sets the stage for more complex movements, ensuring your center of gravity remains secure throughout the entire class. As we move through the barre, we focus heavily on foot articulation.
Consistent practice of moving through the demi-pointe during tendu and rolling through the box during relevé builds the necessary strength for more advanced classical work. You will also tackle the mechanics of the sous-sous, learning to initiate an aggressive push from the hips and heels to achieve greater speed and precision—a movement similar to the force used in a sauté. A significant portion of the class is dedicated to mastering the fondu pas de bourrée.
Your instructor provides specific cues for closing the legs in the air and overcrossing the feet for maximum stability. By narrowing your base of support through overcrossing, you ensure your weight stays directly over your axis. Finally, the class moves into the center to challenge your balance with combinations involving balancé, piqué soutenu, and piqué passé.
Here, we focus on head placement as a stabilizing tool. Shifting the head too far forward or looking down can disrupt your axis, so we work on maintaining a tall, stable alignment through every weight shift and turn.
