Mastering Hip Placement and Turnout in à la Seconde

Achieving a high, effortless leg in à la seconde is a goal for many dancers, but often, a tight hip flexor gets in the way. In this 10-minute specialized ballet class from Broche Ballet, instructor Julie guides you through a focused session designed to release tension and improve your overall hip placement. By understanding the mechanics of how the hip creases, you can unlock greater range of motion and cleaner lines in your extensions.

The core of this lesson revolves around the concept of the hip crease. Many dancers inadvertently grip their hip flexors when lifting the leg, which actually restricts height and causes the hip to hike. Julie demonstrates how to fold deeply into the hip crease, allowing the femur to sit correctly in the socket.

You will practice specific sequences, including dégagé and passé movements, to feel the difference between a gripped hip and a released, rotated one. Another essential component covered is the importance of the standing side. To have a free-moving working leg, you must first establish a rock-solid foundation.

This class provides strengthening exercises to help you find your standing side, ensuring that your pelvis remains level as you work on your turnout. You will learn to rotate the knee back and the heel forward, using these oppositional forces to help release the front of the hip. Whether you are struggling with clicky hips or simply want to improve the aesthetic of your side extensions, these techniques are invaluable.

By repeating these exercises weekly, you will develop the muscle memory needed to maintain proper alignment during more complex center work. Julie even offers practical modifications, such as using your hand to guide the leg down or circling the foot to alleviate chronic tension. Join us at Broche Ballet to refine your technique and achieve the flexibility you have been working toward.