What You'll Learn
- Master rib and shoulder alignment to improve balance and core stability.
- Understand the 'back in front of hips' technique to prevent lower back arching.
- Learn correct arm placement for développé and grand battement to enhance your line.
- Improve the transition into sous-sus and retiré through upper body control.
- Coordinate arm movements with leg work for a more professional ballet silhouette.
About This Video
Ballet is often associated with the strength and flexibility of the legs, but true artistry and stability come from a well-aligned upper body. In this comprehensive Technique Barre class from Broche Ballet, we shift our focus upward to explore the nuances of the ribs, shoulders, and upper back. Proper alignment in these areas is crucial for maintaining balance, facilitating turnout, and achieving the effortless lift characteristic of professional dancers.
Throughout this 52-minute session, you will be guided through a series of foundational exercises designed to integrate the upper body with lower-body movements. We begin at the barre with intentional plié and tendu exercises, paying close attention to the engagement of the core and the placement of the scapulae. A recurring theme in this class is the concept of keeping the back in front of the hips.
This subtle adjustment prevents the common mistake of arching the lower back, ensuring that your weight remains centered and your spine stays long and supported. As we progress into more complex movements like développé and grand battement, the instructor provides detailed feedback on arm carriage. You will learn why keeping the elbow in front of the knee is essential for both aesthetic line and functional stability.
The class also delves into the mechanics of sous-sus and retiré, emphasizing how a quiet upper body allows the legs to move with greater freedom and power. We will also practice cambré, focusing on reaching through the upper back rather than breaking at the waist. The session emphasizes that the upper body should never be static; instead, it should be active and responsive to the legs.
By driving the standing hip forward and maintaining a proud, open chest, you create the necessary counter-tension for high extensions. This class is an excellent resource for dancers who feel their technique has plateaued, offering the specific, anatomical cues needed to unlock the next level of grace. Join Broche Ballet and transform your alignment today.
