Renato Paroni de Castro, Ballet Master at English National Ballet, leads this session to improve ballet technique, focusing on first position at the barre.

Inspired by the teachings of Margaret Black and Christina Bernal, this first session focuses on first position barre and offers breakdown exercises and tips for those just starting ballet and even those at an advanced professional level.

In this class you will focus on:

Correct alignment of the feet, hips, shoulders and head in first position
Understanding weight placement, whether on two legs, one leg, or in the air
Principles of port de bras and the positions of the arms
Feeling turnout from the inside, using imagery like pressing a heel to isolate the correct muscles
Développé technique, learning to fix the hip in space while extending the leg
Tendu, exploring the sensation of "heel, ball, toe" and expanding in all directions
Rond de jambe and control through the spine and supporting leg
Grand plié in second position, focusing on turnout and alignment through the stretch
Facial expression and presence, using the imagery of "eyes, nose, mouth" to stay connected while performing

Adriana Lizardi and Emilia Cadorin, both Artists at English National Ballet, demonstrate the steps with Matt Gregory on the piano.

Follow our step-by-step demo on how to enjoy BalletActive on browser, mobile and smartTV: https://www.ballet.org.uk/balletactive-demo/