What You'll Learn
- Mastering the syncopated timing of the glissade and assemblé to create a more dynamic performance.
- Techniques for maintaining continuous momentum through sissonne and sauté passé combinations.
- Refining artistic transitions between piqué turns, arabesques, and pas de chat.
- Building stamina by executing high-intensity jumping sequences back-to-back with professional music.
About This Video
Welcome back to our Nutcracker series at Broche Ballet. In this second installment of the Waltz of the Flowers men's variation, we dive deep into the heart of the choreography: the dynamic jumping section. This class is designed for advanced dancers looking to bring power and precision to their performance of this Tchaikovsky classic.
We begin by reviewing the opening sequence, including piqué turns, arabesque, and pas de chat, ensuring a solid foundation before moving into the high-energy allegro. The core of this lesson focuses on the complex relationship between momentum and timing. You will learn why a glissade shouldn't necessarily land on the first beat, but rather on counts four or five, to create a more exciting and breathy quality in your movement.
We break down the mechanics of the sissonne and assemblé, emphasizing how to use your plié to drive the jump upward without losing forward travel. ' Many dancers tend to pause after a sissonne, but we will practice carrying that energy directly into the next leap. By mastering the transition from a sissonne into a sauté passé, you will achieve the soaring quality required for professional-level male variations.
Throughout the 29-minute practice, our instructor provides detailed corrections on foot placement and weight distribution to help you navigate the unexpected timing of this specific choreography. To build the necessary stamina for a full stage performance, we practice running the entire jumping section twice in a row with the music. This builds the 'muscle memory' needed to maintain form even when fatigued.
Whether you are preparing for a production of The Nutcracker or simply want to improve your grand allegro technique, this lesson provides the technical breakdown and artistic nuance required to excel. Join us next week as we add the finale and run the entire variation from start to finish.
