What You'll Learn
- Techniques for maintaining balance en pointe without the support of the barre.
- How to properly shape your feet and engage the shank for stronger tendu movements.
- The mechanics of controlled chassé, glissade, and pas de bourrée in center practice.
- Using port de bras to coordinate upper body movement with footwork for better stability.
- Specific placement tips, including pinky toe engagement, to improve control and vertical alignment.
About This Video
Taking your pointe work away from the barre is a significant milestone in a dancer's journey, requiring newfound strength, coordination, and confidence. In this Broche Ballet class, we guide you through the transition with 'Venturing Off the Barre,' a session dedicated to mastering ballet center exercises while en pointe. Working in the center forces you to find your own vertical axis without the safety net of the barre, which is essential for developing true independence as a dancer.
We begin with foundational tendu combinations designed to help you feel the engagement of the back leg and establish your center of gravity. You will learn the importance of foot shaping—specifically how to push the shank of your pointe shoe away from your arch to create a beautiful, functional line and avoid 'sitting' in your shoes. This class also tackles the intricacies of sous-sus and soutenu, ensuring your weight is perfectly centered over your toes for maximum stability.
As we move into traveling steps, we break down the mechanics of the chassé and glissade. You will discover how to sweep the foot underneath the body and maintain proper heel placement to avoid rolling off your shoes. We also explore the pas de bourrée and rond de jambe, emphasizing the flow of movement and the critical role of port de bras. Proper arm placement isn't just aesthetic; it is a vital tool for balance during adagio and arabesque sequences.
Throughout the lesson, our instructor provides specific technical cues, such as paying attention to pinky toe engagement and pacing your movement to maintain control. By focusing on these micro-adjustments, you will improve your overall technique and build the muscle memory needed for advanced center work. Whether you are refining your chassé or seeking a more stable arabesque, this class provides the professional insights necessary to dance en pointe with grace and security.
