What You'll Learn
- The signature rhythmic patterns and footwork of the Mazurka step
- Coordination of arm movements and skirt work with complex leg sequences
- Refinement of the cabriole attitude and flying leg movements
- Executing sharp soutenu turns and balancé steps with character flair
- Building endurance through a full 60-minute choreographed rehearsal
About This Video
Step back into the festive world of Act I with Part 2 of our Villagers' Mazurka tutorial from the classic ballet, Coppélia. In this 60-minute intensive practice session, Broche Ballet takes you beyond the basics, focusing on the spirited flair and intricate footwork that defines authentic character dance. Character dance is an essential branch of classical ballet training, offering a unique blend of folk tradition and formal technique that helps dancers develop better musicality and expression.
This lesson focuses heavily on the syncopated rhythms and robust movements of the Polish Mazurka. You will master the signature mazurka step, which requires a sharp scuff of the foot and a grounded yet energetic jump. Our instructor breaks down the quadruple sequence and complex crossovers, ensuring you maintain clarity in your footwork while expressing the joy of the village celebration.
We also dive deep into the balancé and soutenu turns, emphasizing how to use your upper body and head—épaulement—to convey character rather than just executing a dry technical exercise. One of the highlights of this session is the work on flying leg movements and the cabriole attitude. These steps require a combination of strength and lightness to make them look effortless.
You will also practice specific choreography involving the skirt, learning how to use it as an extension of your movement to enhance your performance. Throughout the class, we emphasize the importance of precision and specific touch-step sequences that build the narrative of the dance. As this is Part 2 of the series, we focus on stitching together the previously learned segments with new, more complex choreography.
Whether you are preparing for a performance or simply want to improve your coordination, this Coppélia Mazurka lesson provides the tools you need to dance with confidence. Join us at Broche Ballet as we perfect this iconic routine together, remembering that the key to mastering character dance is a blend of technical precision and infectious energy.
