From Barre to Center

Hey everyone! I hope you all are doing well. We’ve had a massive snowstorm hit us. Like a “Who pissed off Elsa” type enormous snowstorm. I had filming this weekend, and there was a possibility that I wouldn’t have been able to make it to the city due to said storm. But ✨I am lucky that everything always works out for me✨ (my affirmation recently). Filming was amazing despite us freezing our butts off on the last day. And I may have sprained my ankle too. Worth it because this project is going to be amazing!

My grad classes began yesterday, and I’m…in way over my head. I have a ten page analysis due in four weeks. I’ve never had to write papers that long before. But I am intelligent enough to handle it as long as I work on it a little bit each day.

But now that my update is out of the way, let’s get into the actual post.

 For the longest time, I was a hot mess when it came to doing barre combos in the center. Part of it was my ankle/knee instability, but eventually, I realised that there were many bad habits I had that I was completely unaware of until I really scrutinized what I was doing at the barre. Since correcting those habits, my center work became a hundred times better. So today, I’m gonna talk to you through some bad habits you might be making at the barre and how to fix them.

Leaning on the Barre

   This is one of the most common dance mistakes to make. A dancer will grip the barre so hard that they’re practically on top of it, and it’s only to make them look more flexible and such. This is why many teachers have the “four fingers on the barre” rule. To teach you to not rely on the barre so much. Your strength must come from your back and core, not the barre. Think of the barre as a partner; it’s there for you when you need it.

   If you think you have this problem, check your hand position at the barre. Your thumb shouldn’t be underneath the barre but on top of it instead. You should have a very light touch on the barre as if you were playing the piano. And avoid holding the barre in the “death grip,” aka a claw.

   And every so often, test your balance while at the barre by letting go of it for an eight-count or so.

If you have trouble letting go, do some core workouts, which will stabilize your whole body and will significantly improve your balance. Over depending on the barre can actually weaken your core and, therefore, your whole body.

Standing Incorrectly

   Standing at the barre can greatly camouflage improper body alignment. Even though the barre is there, you have to be able to stand up as if you’re in the center. Again, core strength will help with this. Another way to fix this is to regularly videotape yourself at the barre to ensure that your spine is straight and that your shoulders are over your hips while you’re working at the barre. Also, if your class is big enough to use barres in the center of the room, try doing barre there, just once, to see what your alignment looks like.

   You also want to ensure you’re not crowding the barre, which can also skew your alignment. To promote the proper placement of the arms and shoulders, there should be one person’s distance between you and the barre. Your arms should be only slightly bent, and there should be enough space for you to tendu a la seconde with the foot closest to the barre. You’re too close to the barre if your foot touches the wall.

Forcing Your Turnout

   Some dancers can force a perfect 180° turnout in 5th position with the support of the barre but can’t do it in the center. Forcing your turnout can lead to all kinds of knee problems, plus it is an incorrect technique. One should always work with their natural turnout, especially at the barre, which will help you in the center. 90° is enough. Ensure your pinky toes are on the floor and your arches aren’t dropped forward. If you’re feeling pressure in your ankles or knees, that’s a sign that you’re forcing your turnout. (Remember, turnout comes from your hips, not your knees).

   If you’re having trouble finding your natural turnout, think about working your legs in opposition. That’s how you hold actual rotation, by feeling the resistance between right and left, up and down, from the tops of your hips to your feet. Push into the floor, rotate, engage your back, lock, and load.

And that concludes my tips on how to get better at center work. If you enjoyed this post, make sure you like, comment, and share it. Follow me on social media (listed below). As always, sending you all the light and love in this world. See you next time!