Guest limeymauve Posted April 20, 2004 Report Share Posted April 20, 2004 This may seem like a stupid question, because bourrees are one of those steps that you learn from a young age, but does anyone know how to really do them? One teacher I have says you move just your feet, but another talks about bending your knees. I know the feeling you want is to be sort of gliding, pulling up out of your shoes and giving the impression of floating, but what's the best way to achieve that? Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted April 20, 2004 Administrators Report Share Posted April 20, 2004 Limey, I moved this topic to YD, as it is a technique question, not a pointe shoe topic. Bourrées should be learned at the barre first, and in place, without moving. The knees have to move, however you are not in a plié. Stand on pointe in 5th, very lifted and up out of the shoes, but relax the knees and move the feet as fast as you can, like little tiny hammers playing two notes on the piano in quick succession. When you have this happening, then start moving by leading with the BACK foot. That is the only way to maintain the 5th position. If you lead with the front foot, there will be a space between your legs that you do NOT want! The knees must constantly move to move the feet, otherwise you will look like a wooden doll trying to walk. As you start moving sideways, feel like you are going upwards, like up a ski slope, so that you keep lifting up as you go. They take a lot of practice to get to the place where you can go across the stage like Myrtha in her opening crosses in second act Giselle! Quote Link to comment
SFB2b Posted April 23, 2004 Report Share Posted April 23, 2004 my teacher says... not just ankles moving, and not just knees bending, but a little of both. hth. Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted April 23, 2004 Administrators Report Share Posted April 23, 2004 Actually, it requires a LOT of both! Very rapid movement of the feet and the knees. Quote Link to comment
Guest limeymauve Posted April 26, 2004 Report Share Posted April 26, 2004 Yeah, I wasn't sure after I posted it whether that was the right forum. Sorry about that! Thanks for the advice! That makes a lot of sense, I'll work on it next class. I'm a little worried because in our recital I have a solo that does a includes a good amount of bourree, and I feel like I never properly learned it. I'm sure what you said will help me with it! Quote Link to comment
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