Ballet Warmup and Drills: Mastering Balance in Fondu and Turn Momentum

Welcome to a focused practice session with Broche Ballet, where we bridge the gap between static stability and dynamic movement. This 24-minute class is specifically designed to help intermediate dancers master the art of holding balance in fondu while learning to harness momentum for more powerful, controlled pirouettes. In ballet, the transition from a plié to a relevé is where most dancers lose their alignment; these drills are curated to ensure you remain centered and strong throughout those critical moments.

We begin by exploring the mechanics of a proper push. Often, dancers attempt to initiate a pirouette by leaning forward, but true control comes from decoupling the push of the back leg from the direction of movement. By focusing on pushing from behind, you create a cleaner entry into your turns. We work through various exercises in fourth and fifth position to ensure your weight center stays precisely over the standing foot. This alignment is vital for executing a clean pirouette and is equally important for those preparing for pointe work.

Throughout the session, we utilize foundational movements like tendu and sous-sus to build the necessary muscle memory for more complex combinations. You will practice maintaining upright engagement during an arabesque relevé and learn how to use the energy of the back leg to push away from the body, rather than collapsing into the movement. We also tackle a challenging combo designed to improve your pirouette execution, focusing on the coordination between the depth of the plié and the sharpness of the turn. Whether you are working toward your first clean rotation or looking to add more revolutions to your practice, these drills provide the technical framework required for elite-level balance. Join us at Broche Ballet to refine your technique and find your center.