What You'll Learn
- How to execute the menacing entrance and party crasher movements of Carabosse.
- Techniques for expressive character pantomime, including the smug bow and profile work.
- Storytelling through gesture: depicting the curse of the spinning wheel and the finger prick.
- Understanding the contrast between Carabosse’s dark energy and the Lilac Fairy's grace.
About This Video
In the world of classical ballet, storytelling extends far beyond technical steps like a pirouette or an arabesque. One of the most vital components of the nineteenth-century repertoire is pantomime—the art of using gesture to convey complex plot points and emotions. In this specialized tutorial from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into one of the most iconic villain roles in the canon: Carabosse from The Sleeping Beauty.
Carabosse is the ultimate party crasher, and her entrance is a masterclass in tension and character-driven movement. You will learn how to transition from a menacing, low-profile crawl into a scene-stealing presence that demands attention. We focus on the specific choreography of her arrival, where she sneaks into the princess's christening and disrupts the celebration with a chaotic energy.
A key part of this lesson involves the interaction between Carabosse and the Queen. You will practice the super rude bow—a stylized movement that conveys smugness and disrespect through the angle of the head and the tension in the hands. We analyze how to stand in profile to maximize the dramatic effect of her mocking laughter.
This is not just about moving your arms; it is about embodying the bitterness of a forgotten goddaughter. The core of the scene is the delivery of the curse. We break down the pantomime for the spinning wheel and the prick of the finger.
You will learn how to make these gestures clear for an audience, ensuring that the stakes of the story are felt. Finally, we touch upon the shift in energy as the Lilac Fairy intervenes, transforming the scene from one of impending death into one of a century-long sleep. Whether you are preparing for a character role or simply want to enhance your artistic expression, mastering the Carabosse pantomime will add a new dimension to your dance practice.
Join Broche Ballet as we explore the dark, expressive side of classical storytelling.
