What You'll Learn
- How to reverse-engineer complex choreography using a layered approach.
- Techniques for identifying steps like tombé, piqué, and enveloppé from video.
- The importance of using written notation and counts to aid memorization.
- Specific arm and body alignment details for the Esmerelda variation.
- Strategies for isolating footwork before adding upper body complexity.
About This Video
Learning how to learn is one of the most valuable skills an adult ballet student can develop. In this specialized class from Broche Ballet, we guide you through the intricate process of decoding professional variations from video. Using the iconic Esmerelda variation as our case study for Part 2 of this series, we demonstrate how to break down high-level choreography into accessible, manageable segments.
The key to success lies in the layering method. Often, dancers try to learn the feet, arms, head, and musicality all at once, which can lead to frustration and muscle memory errors. In this session, we emphasize the importance of taking multiple passes through the material.
During the first pass, we focus purely on the base: Where is the weight shifting? Are we performing a tombé or a piqué? Is the transition a plié or a sus-sous?
By isolating the lower body first, you build a solid foundation. Once the legs are understood, we move to the character-driven details that make the Esmerelda variation so distinctive. We analyze the coordination of the left arm on the waist with the right leg in front and the precise timing of the tambourine strikes.
You will learn to recognize specific movements like the enveloppé and the grand battement even when they occur at a fast tempo. This class also highlights the importance of arm placement in high fifth and maintaining body alignment throughout complex transitions. Beyond just the physical steps, we explore the use of written notes to speed up the memorization process.
A count-by-count breakdown acts as a map for your brain, transforming choreography from a confusing sequence into a logical series of actions. At Broche Ballet, we believe that with the right tools and patience, any dancer can develop the eye needed to reverse-engineer and perform beautiful variations independently.
