What You'll Learn
- Strategies for executing rapid weight shifts between feet with control.
- Proper articulation through the demi-pointe when stepping and closing.
- Maintaining consistent turnout and alignment during center floor exercises.
- Stabilizing the upper body and core for better balance during fast footwork.
- Translating barre techniques like tendu and fondu into fluid center movement.
About This Video
Transitioning from the barre to the center floor is one of the most challenging aspects of ballet training. In this Broche Ballet session, "Venturing Off the Barre," we focus specifically on the art of the weight shift. Being able to step from one foot to the other quickly and with control is vital for allegro, across-the-floor combinations, and complex pointe work. This class provides the technical breakdown necessary to move with both speed and elegance.
Our focus begins with foundational movements like tendu and fondu. These exercises are reimagined to emphasize the transfer of weight. You will learn how to maintain a strong standing leg while the working leg prepares for the next step. A key highlight of this lesson is the articulation of the foot. When moving quickly, dancers often skip the demi-pointe, but we demonstrate why showing the demi-pointe is essential for both safety and the classical line. Whether you are stepping into a tombé or preparing for a chassé, that moment of articulation defines your technique.
For those working en pointe, we discuss how to use the box of the shoe effectively. You will learn to swivel through the foot to maintain your turnout and avoid the common mistake of letting the legs turn in while walking or stepping. Maintaining rotation from the hips is a constant theme, ensuring that your croisé and open positions remain sharp.
To increase your speed, we introduce double time drills. These focus on quick flexes and sharp movements that train your muscles to react faster. To support this rapid lower-body work, the instructor emphasizes upper-body placement. By keeping the armpits strong and the core engaged, you create a stable frame that allows the legs to move freely. This comprehensive approach ensures that you aren't just moving faster, but moving better. Join us at Broche Ballet and master the skills needed to dance confidently in the center of the room.
