What You'll Learn
- Techniques for maintaining balance without the support of the barre
- Executing fluid balancé transitions with proper weight transfer
- Strengthening the standing leg through center fondu exercises
- Finding alignment and counter-balance in one-legged positions
- Tips for climbing up the shoe and rolling over the back foot
About This Video
Taking your pointe work away from the support of the barre is a significant milestone for any dancer. In this first installment of our "Venturing Off the Barre" series at Broche Ballet, we bridge the gap between stable barre exercises and the fluidity of center work. This 23-minute class is designed to help you find your internal center and build the confidence necessary to dance en pointe with grace and stability.
Our instructor leads you through a series of focused exercises that prioritize control and alignment over speed. We begin by examining the mechanics of the cou-de-pied and fondu, emphasizing the importance of a strong, supportive standing leg. By learning to support the standing hip during a fondu, you gain the necessary leverage to maintain balance as you rise.
A major highlight of this session is the breakdown of the balancé and weight transfers in the center. Moving across the floor or staying in place en pointe requires a precise understanding of your body's counterweights. You will learn to push through the leg and slide into your steps, ensuring that your weight is fully transferred before the next movement begins.
This prevents the common instability often felt when students are hesitant to commit to their shoes. Throughout the class, we touch upon additional movements like arabesque and cloche, focusing on how to maintain a vertical spine while the legs are in motion. The instructor provides corrections on foot shaping and alignment, helping you avoid common pitfalls such as falling off the box.
Whether you are practicing in a home studio or a professional space, this Broche Ballet class provides the technical scaffolding needed to move with freedom. By the end of this session, you will have a better grasp of how to use your arms for expression without sacrificing your core stability. Join us as we step away from the barre and into the beauty of center pointe work.
