What You'll Learn
- How to maintain square hips and pull the front hip back in fourth position.
- Techniques for rotating the back leg during a plié to avoid internal collapse.
- Strategies for lifting the center of gravity to improve transitions and closings.
- Refining port de bras by engaging the triceps and relaxing the fingers.
- Finding stillness in the torso while performing complex arm movements.
About This Video
Mastering the fourth position in ballet is often a significant milestone for intermediate dancers. It is a position that demands a sophisticated understanding of rotation, core engagement, and weight distribution. In this Broche Ballet tutorial, we dive deep into the mechanics of this challenging stance to help you find more stability and grace in your practice.
We begin at the barre by breaking down the "pretzel-like" feel that many students experience when first learning fourth position. The key to success lies in the hips. Our instructor emphasizes the importance of keeping the hips together and square.
You will learn how to actively pull the front hip back while ensuring the back leg remains fully rotated as you lower into a plié. This dual action prevents the common mistake of letting the pelvis tilt or the back knee collapse inward. As the lesson progresses, we explore transitions.
Moving from first position or second position into fourth requires a high center of gravity. By lifting tall into the ribcage and engaging the standing hip, you can achieve a more powerful "push off" and a cleaner closing. We also incorporate tendu exercises and relevé to test your balance and ensure that your weight is distributed evenly between both feet.
Refining your fourth position isn't just about the legs; it involves the entire body. The instructor provides detailed guidance on port de bras, teaching you how to support your arms by rotating the triceps upwards. This prevents the "dropped elbow" look and creates a more professional line.
Additionally, we focus on maintaining stillness in the torso while the arms move, ensuring that your upper body remains elegant and undisturbed. Whether you are struggling with your rotation or looking to sharpen your transitions, this class provides the technical corrections needed to elevate your dancing. Join us at Broche Ballet to transform your fourth position from a struggle into a strength.
