What You'll Learn
- How to find and maintain your center of gravity when moving away from the barre en pointe.
- The technical mechanics of execution for sous-sus, pas de bourrée, and bourrée combinations.
- Key differences in weight placement between the fondu and the tombé.
- Strategies for using the core and proper alignment to stay stable during center floor work.
- Tips for transitioning between steps like balancé and relevé with control and fluidity.
About This Video
Transitioning from the barre to the center is one of the most exciting yet challenging phases of learning ballet en pointe. At Broche Ballet, we believe that building confidence off the barre requires a thoughtful, step-by-step approach that prioritizes stability over speed. This class is designed to help you bridge that gap using gentle exercises that reinforce your technique while challenging your balance and core engagement.
We begin by grounding ourselves in foundational movements. You will practice the tombé, focusing on the essential lift of the heel before the weight transfer, and the fondu, emphasizing a smooth, "melting" quality that is crucial for controlled transitions. Understanding the subtle differences in weight distribution between these two steps is key to maintaining your center when you no longer have the barre for support. By mastering these basics, you create a reliable foundation for more complex sequences.
As the class progresses, we introduce essential center combinations. You will learn to execute a crisp sous-sus, drawing the legs together into a tight fifth position en pointe. From there, we work on the pas de bourrée, breaking down the footwork to ensure every step is precise and articulate. We also explore the gliding beauty of bourrées, practicing how to move smoothly across the floor with tiny, rapid steps that maintain a consistent rhythm and height.
Throughout the lesson, we emphasize the importance of proper alignment and turnout. When you move off the barre, your core becomes your primary support system. We provide specific cues to help you engage your center and maintain a lengthened spine, which allows for greater freedom in your movement and more fluid transitions between steps like the balancé and relevé. Mastering these movements takes time and repetition, and this session provides the supportive environment needed to grow. Whether you are preparing for your first center variation or looking to refine your existing skills, this practice will give you the tools to dance with grace and independence.
