What You'll Learn
- How to find and maintain vertical balance en pointe without the support of the barre.
- Technical execution of tombé pas de bourrée with proper 'up' and 'close' mechanics.
- Mastering fluid bourrées and chassés while traveling through the center floor.
- Strategies for building confidence and bravery during complex center combinations.
- Maintaining upper body artistry, including temps lié and expressive port de bras, during footwork.
About This Video
Transitioning from the barre to the center is one of the most significant milestones in a dancer's journey, particularly when dancing en pointe. This 18-minute session from Broche Ballet is specifically designed to help you find your center of gravity and build the bravery required to dance without the safety net of the barre. Our instructor guides you through a series of exercises that challenge your stability while emphasizing the technical nuances that make center work fluid and beautiful.
Throughout this practice, we focus heavily on the concept of 'finding up.' When we move away from the barre, understanding our vertical alignment becomes paramount. You will learn how to engage your core and find your 'up' before executing movements like the tombé pas de bourrée. We break down the mechanics of the pas de bourrée, focusing on the 'up and close' motion that creates a crisp, professional look. Whether you are performing a traditional pas de bourrée or transitioning into bourrées (pas de bourrée couru), the goal is to maintain a lifted posture and sharp footwork.
In addition to technical execution, this class addresses the artistry of center work. It is easy to become so focused on your pointe shoes that you lose your upper body expression. We will practice maintaining beautiful temps lié, soft fingers, and an engaged facial expression, even during the most challenging balances. Remember, losing your balance is not a failure; it is a necessary part of the work as you build the strength and confidence to master center floor combinations. By the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of how to travel across the floor with grace and precision, bridging the gap between barre exercises and full choreographic sequences.
