Improve Your À La Seconde: Ballet Stretches for Turnout and Hip Placement

Achieving a high, stable leg in the à la seconde position is a common goal for many dancers. In this 20-minute focused practice from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of leg extensions, hip placement, and the essential rotation required to lift the leg with grace and control. The secret to a beautiful à la seconde isn't just about how far back your knee can travel; it is about the internal rotation and the 'twist' that originates deep within the hip socket.

Throughout this session, we will explore how to engage the correct muscles during the développé movement. By focusing on rotation, you ensure that your leg is supported by the proper structural alignment rather than just sheer muscle force. This prevents 'gripping' in the hip flexors and allows for a more fluid, aesthetic extension.

We will work through a series of four développé movements, emphasizing form over height to build the necessary strength for long-term progress. After the extension series, it is vital to release the tension that naturally builds up in the hips and legs. We transition to a dedicated barre stretch sequence designed to soothe the muscles and restore range of motion.

You will learn to identify exactly where you feel tension—whether it's a 'pinchy' feeling or a general tightness—and use visualization techniques to 'let go' of those blocks. By imagining the muscles lengthening and relaxing, you can achieve a deeper stretch and better body awareness. Whether you are working toward your first 90-degree extension or looking to refine your placement at 120 degrees, this class provides the technical foundation needed for success.

Join Julie and the Broche Ballet community as we refine our turnout, improve our hip placement, and master the art of the à la seconde extension.