Listen to this episode where we celebrate reaching the last barre exercise, and lift the lid on Grand Battement and Grand Battement en cloche!

In this episode David gives a brief lesson on the difference between Grand Battement and the en cloche, and gives an example of how he would sing this exercise when he’s setting it for the dancers and pianist.

Listen to the three pianists as they discuss what they are looking for and listening for so they can choose the correct piece of music, and the importance of two very different tempi depending on where the accent is placed.

The podcast team then discuss some of the celebrations and the pitfalls of Grand Battement and how they help the dancers complete their barre successfully and get ready for the centre.

Listen out for the “gun shot” analogy and other comical anecdotes from the team.