What You'll Learn
- How to use port de bras to convey a specific theme or atmosphere
- Techniques for creating fluid, wave-like transitions between positions
- The importance of épaulement and head placement in artistic storytelling
- Observing professional phrasing and musicality in a contemporary ballet setting
About This Video
Experience the artistry and fluidity of classical dance through this captivating performance of "Waves" by Anke Meyer-Heß at the International Association of Ballet Festivals (IABF) 2024. This piece serves as a beautiful case study for ballet students at Broche Ballet who are looking to transition from technical exercises at the barre to full artistic expression on stage. The performance showcases how a dancer can use their entire body to interpret a theme.
As you watch "Waves," pay close attention to the use of épaulement—the positioning of the head and shoulders—which provides depth and texture to the movement. Notice how Anke Meyer-Heß maintains a strong core and precise technical foundations, such as high relevé and clean passé positions, while keeping the upper body soft and fluid. This contrast between a stable lower body and an expressive upper body is a hallmark of high-level ballet.
For adult learners, watching performances like this is an essential part of the learning process. It is not just about the steps; it is about the phrasing—the way a dancer chooses to speed up or slow down a movement to match the musicality of the piece. You can observe the seamless transitions from an arabesque into a soft plié, illustrating how technical mastery allows for greater creative freedom.
" How does the dancer breathe through a transition? How does the gaze follow the hand during port de bras? By analyzing "Waves," you can begin to incorporate these nuanced elements into your own practice, whether you are working on your first center enchaînement or preparing for a showcase.
Let this performance inspire your next session at the barre. Use it as a reminder that every tendu and dégagé is a building block toward the kind of effortless movement seen here.
