What You'll Learn
- How to generate explosive power for jumps by utilizing a deep, correctly aligned plié.
- Techniques for maintaining hip stability and turnout while transitioning off the barre.
- The mechanics of the 'spring load' to improve the height and speed of your échappé.
- How to execute fluid transitions using tombé and pas de bourrée combinations.
- Methods for increasing tempo in jump series while maintaining precision and control.
About This Video
Transitioning from the support of the barre to the center is a pivotal moment for any ballet student. This Broche Ballet class focuses on the technical intricacies of the échappé, teaching you how to maintain stability and power when you no longer have a physical rail to lean on. The core of this lesson explores the concept of the 'spring load,' where the power for your jump is generated not in the air, but through a deep, intentional plié. You will learn how to properly use your toes to push off the floor, opening the knees while keeping the hips 'glued' together to ensure a vertical, controlled movement.
Throughout the session, we delve into the coordination required for both slow, controlled adagio work and quick, explosive jumps. By focusing on the mechanics of the feet and the alignment of the hips, you will develop the strength needed to execute a series of échappés with increasing tempo and precision. We don't just focus on the jump itself; the class also covers essential transitions that define a dancer’s fluidity. You will practice the tombé, pas de bourrée, and sous-sus, learning how to use these movements to travel across the floor and prepare for the next step.
Working off the barre requires a heightened sense of core engagement and a mastery of turnout. We will address common mistakes, such as letting the knees lean forward in the preparation or losing the rotation of the hips during the descent. By the end of this class, you will have a better understanding of how to create power from the ground up, allowing you to simply straighten your legs and point your feet to explode into a beautiful, controlled échappé. Whether you are working en pointe or on demi-pointe, these principles are universal for achieving height and grace in your center work.
