What You'll Learn
- Develop stability in one-footed balances and fondu sequences away from the barre.
- Improve transitions using pas de cheval, dégagé, and tombé en pointe.
- Refine your pas de bourrée technique with a focus on core stability and ankle strength.
- Master graceful movement and walking patterns while maintaining proper vertical alignment.
- Build the confidence to perform center combinations with fluid, professional technique.
About This Video
Taking your ballet practice from the support of the barre to the center of the floor is a pivotal moment in any dancer’s journey, especially when working en pointe. This Broche Ballet class, "Venturing Off the Barre," is specifically designed to bridge that gap, helping you find your center and gain the confidence needed to dance unsupported. We focus on building the functional strength required to execute complex movements while maintaining the ethereal grace that defines pointe work.
The session begins with a series of balancing exercises on one foot. This isn't just about standing still; it's about active alignment. You will work through fondu movements—front, side, and back—integrating controlled pliés and sharp sous-sus transitions.
By removing the barre, you are forced to engage your core more deeply, ensuring your weight is perfectly placed over your toes. This foundational work is essential for preventing wobbling and ensuring long-term safety en pointe. As the class progresses, we move into more dynamic movements.
We explore dégagé sequences and the pas de cheval, focusing on the precision and speed required to move through center floor combinations. The instructor provides detailed cues on how to handle the tombé transition, ensuring you land with softness and control before rising back up. We also dive into the mechanics of the pas de bourrée.
Many students struggle with stability here, so we emphasize keeping the torso quiet and the hips level, allowing the feet to do the work underneath you. The lesson also covers the art of simply "walking" en pointe. Staying "super tall" is the mantra here; we focus on avoiding the common pitfall of bending at the ankles or breaking the line of the leg.
By the end of this class, you will have a better understanding of how to use your plié to power your movements and how to use your breath to maintain balance. Whether you are working on your first center turns or simply want to feel more secure in your shoes, this Broche Ballet class provides the technical roadmap to help you succeed.
