What You'll Learn
- Techniques to maintain maximum turnout in devant and à la seconde placements
- Drills for achieving a perfectly straight back leg during arabesque movements
- Visual cues and mind-body connections for better spatial awareness in back extensions
- Corrective exercises for proper hip and leg alignment during a demi-plié
- Targeted stretches designed to increase range of motion and overall flexibility
About This Video
Unlock higher, cleaner extensions and a more secure line with this focused barre stretching and conditioning session at Broche Ballet. In this class, we dive deep into the technical nuances of leg placement, specifically focusing on the devant, à la seconde, and arabesque positions. Achieving a beautiful line in ballet requires more than just flexibility; it requires an acute awareness of alignment and the strength to maintain turnout through every movement.
A primary focus of this session is the puzzle of the back leg in arabesque. For many dancers, maintaining a straight leg behind the body is challenging because it is out of the direct line of sight. We will explore techniques to help you visualize your leg position, teaching you how to feel the difference between a soft knee and a fully engaged, straight leg.
By checking your straightness during a demi-plié or while transitioning through various back series exercises, you will develop the muscle memory needed for a professional-looking extension. We also address the importance of turnout in devant placement. You will learn how to rotate from the hip socket, dropping the leg down to maximize your range of motion without compromising your hips squareness.
This session emphasizes the mind-body connection, requiring you to think about your body in new ways to solve the physical challenges of balletic form. Throughout the practice, we utilize specific barre stretches to improve your overall range of motion. Whether you are working on the height of your leg or the stability of your standing side, these conditioning exercises provide the tools to refine your technique.
Join us as we guide you through verbal cues and demonstrations designed to help you master the straightness and placement of your legs. Perfect for dancers looking to polish their classical lines, this class will leave you feeling more elongated and confident in your extensions.
