What You'll Learn
- How to strengthen the plié for better transitions into fondu and bourrée
- Proper foot placement and the 'scooping' technique for stable bourrées
- Maintaining body alignment and spatial awareness without the support of the barre
- Techniques for transitioning into center-based single-leg relevés
About This Video
Transitioning from the barre to the center is one of the most significant milestones in a dancer’s journey, especially when working en pointe. This Broche Ballet class, "Venturing Off the Barre," is specifically designed to help intermediate and advanced dancers bridge that gap with confidence. The focus is on refining technical precision and developing the internal stability needed to maintain control without the physical support of the horizontal rail.
A core component of this session is the strengthening of the plié position. A deep, controlled plié serves as the foundation for almost every movement in ballet, particularly transitions into fondu and bourrée. By focusing on the mechanics of the plié, dancers learn how to store energy and find their center before rising en pointe.
We explore the fondu en croix to build single-leg strength, which is essential for maintaining balance in the center. We also delve deep into the mechanics of the bourrée. The instructor emphasizes the "scooping" action of the back foot, ensuring it stays tucked closely under the front foot.
This proximity is vital for generating the necessary force and speed while preventing overcrossing, which can lead to instability. Dancers will learn how to use the back leg to push efficiently, creating a smooth and graceful travel across the floor. Throughout the class, we emphasize spatial awareness and precision in shoe placement.
As we move away from the barre, maintaining proper body alignment becomes paramount. These exercises act as a precursor to more complex movements, such as single-leg relevés and pirouette preparations. By the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of how to use your floor work to gain the stability and grace required for center pointework.
