What You'll Learn
- How to align the head, shoulders, and hips for a perfectly stable vertical axis.
- Techniques for maintaining a 'heel forward' position in coup-de-pied to improve turnout.
- Drills for 'lift and hold' movements that build endurance in the supporting leg.
- Strategies for maintaining balance during transitions like chassé and arabesque.
- Tips for keeping 'armpits down' to engage the lats and stabilize the upper body.
About This Video
Mastering the art of balance is a foundational journey for every dancer. This specialized Broche Ballet practice session is designed to help you find your center and maintain it with confidence. The class is divided into two focused segments: a 15-minute sequence at the barre followed by 10 minutes of rigorous center work. We begin by establishing a strong foundation, reviewing proper posture and the alignment of the head, shoulders, and hips. Through a series of intentional pliés and tendus, you will warm up the muscles required for stability while focusing on the sensation of being grounded yet lifted.
As we progress, the instructor introduces drills specifically designed to challenge your equilibrium. You will work on lifts and lowers of the legs, learning how to maintain your vertical axis even as your center of gravity shifts. A key technical focus in this lesson is the coup-de-pied; we emphasize picking up the foot with a flexed position and the heel forward to ensure proper turnout and engagement. By keeping the armpits down and the legs long, you will create the necessary tension to hold difficult positions longer.
In the center portion, we transition away from the support of the barre to test your control. You will practice combinations involving chassés, arabesques, and brushes, emphasizing the 'lift and hold' technique. These movements are essential for building the muscle memory needed for effortless choreography and turns. Throughout the class, you will receive expert guidance on how to use small adjustments—like the placement of the head or the engagement of the core—to recover and maintain your balance. Whether you are looking to steady your pirouettes or find more length in your arabesque, these drills provide the technical framework necessary for growth. Join us at Broche Ballet to refine your technique and build the patience required to master these fundamental skills.
