What You'll Learn
- The mechanical secret of inner thighs touching for stable tombé movements.
- How to generate momentum in bourrées while maintaining a compact fifth position.
- Mastering the timing and sequence of tombé, sous-sus, and center pivots.
- A step-by-step breakdown of a graceful révérence involving temps lié and pas de bourrée.
About This Video
Take your ballet training to the next level by transitioning from the stability of the barre to the freedom of the center. In this 17-minute pointe class from Broche Ballet, we focus on the technical nuances required to stay balanced and controlled while moving through space. Specifically designed for intermediate dancers, this session emphasizes the connection between your alignment, breath, and movement quality. Moving off the barre is a significant milestone, and this practice provides the tools to do so with confidence.
We begin by dissecting the tombé movement. A common challenge for dancers moving en pointe is maintaining a tight line; our instructor highlights the vital importance of feeling the inner thighs touch before reaching full pointe. This small but crucial adjustment ensures a smooth transition and prevents the weight from falling forward too quickly. You will practice combining this with sous-sus, turns, and pivots to build a reliable foundation for center work. The focus here is on staying on top of your shoes, ensuring that your weight is centered over your toes rather than leaning into the transition.
As we move into more fluid sequences, we explore the mechanics of bourrées. You will learn how to use the standing leg to create the necessary momentum to glide across the floor, catching the feet in a tight, controlled rhythm. The instructor emphasizes the feeling of strong, active legs underneath you, which is essential for maintaining the illusion of effortless travel. This is followed by a breakdown of a beautiful révérence sequence, incorporating elements like temps lié and pas de bourrée. By focusing on the push from the floor and the timing of each step, you will gain the confidence needed to perform complex combinations without the support of the barre. Whether you are working on your timing in a soutenu or looking to polish your port de bras during center transitions, this class provides the targeted corrections needed for growth.
