What You'll Learn
- The correct head angles and tilts for tendu front, side, and back
- How to coordinate head transitions during en cloche and rond de jambe par terre
- Techniques for maintaining a long neck and proper chin alignment to enhance your line
- The role of the eye line in following the hand to create professional epaulement
- How to maintain a stable head position during complex arm and leg transitions
About This Video
In the second installment of our specialized series, Using your Head at the Barre, Broche Ballet dives deep into the intricate relationship between the head, neck, and lower body movements. While many dancers focus solely on footwork, true artistry and professional technique stem from the subtle, coordinated movements of the head. This practice session is designed to help you integrate proper head positioning into your standard barre routine to improve both your silhouette and your balance.
We begin by reviewing the fundamental head angles during tendu exercises. You will learn the nuances of looking toward the working foot in a tendu front, maintaining a neutral profile during tendu side, and the sophisticated tilt required for tendu back. These micro-adjustments are what transform a simple exercise into a performance-ready movement.
A significant portion of this lesson is dedicated to the coordination required for en cloche and rond de jambe. Moving the leg through first position while simultaneously transitioning the head can be a challenge for even experienced dancers. We break down the timing so that your head follows the flow of the movement naturally, rather than appearing stiff or mechanical.
By focusing on your eye line and the tilt of the chin, you will find better stability and a more elongated line. Throughout the class, we emphasize the importance of keeping the head still during complex arm movements and then profiling the head correctly during transitions. This separation of powers—where the limbs and head move independently yet harmoniously—is a hallmark of advanced ballet technique.
Join us at Broche Ballet as we refine your technique one head tilt at a time.
