Barre work is the most important part of ballet class – echoed by any teacher – in order to set up the body’s foundations to move into the centre and onto allegro. The barre is where you learn to stand, move, and hone in on the body and how it is performing in the class, aiding alignment, technique, and confidence. Barre work can sometimes feel static and like the body is ‘going through the motions’, however it is important to give this part of the class just as much attention in order to perform at your best throughout the remainder of the class.
Let your hand rest on the barre, not grip it, so you can easily move it up and down the barre depending on the exercise set by the teacher. Find a happy medium at the barre so you are not standing too close or far away. Your fingertips should be in contact with the barre so there is a sense of support but not reliance on that part of a dancer’s comfort zone. Keep the elbow bent as the hand rests on the barre so it is relaxed and free. Don’t let your elbow sag, but support the arms through the back to create a continuous line.
Lengthen your spine and soften your plié to further enhance your posture, being constantly aware of the body and the positions it is moving through during the exercises. Keep the shoulders back and the tailbone tucked in so the spine is one line, keeping the chin level with the floor. Imagine the pull and balance of gravity pulling you towards the floor and the back of the neck being pulled upwards to lengthen the spine and stand correctly. Don’t rush when you plié, but use your muscles and squeeze through the movement. When you rush your plié it is likely you have floppy arms and an arched spine. Control the movement and this will translate to the upper body too, to develop a sense of grace and poise.