What You'll Learn
- Techniques for engaging the back muscles to support high leg extensions
- How to transition smoothly from a stable arabesque into a controlled penché
- The 'one-inch release' method for increasing leg height safely
- Proper shoulder alignment and core stability during forward-tilting movements
- Five-pulse series to build strength in the posterior chain
About This Video
Elevate your ballet practice with this focused 10-minute stretching session from Broche Ballet. This class is specifically designed to bridge the gap between static flexibility and the active strength required for high leg extensions. Instructor Julie guides you through a series of exercises at the barre, focusing on the intricate mechanics of the arabesque and the progression into a full penché.
The session begins with foundational pliés and pulses to warm up the joints and engage the core. Central to this practice is the concept of 'active back engagement.' You will learn how to lift your leg until you feel your back muscles fully fire, and then how to strategically 'let the back go' just an inch to allow for even greater height and freedom of movement. This technique is essential for dancers looking to achieve those breath-taking lines without sacrificing stability or square shoulders.
Throughout the video, we emphasize the importance of using the inside of the supporting leg for balance and pressing the shoulders down to maintain a proud, lifted chest even as the torso tilts forward. We explore a series of pulses and 'punche plié' movements (stretching through the penché alignment) to build the functional strength necessary to hold these positions in center work. By the end of this 10-minute sequence, you will have a better understanding of how to use your back muscles as a lever for your legs, ensuring your extensions are both high and anatomically sound. Whether you are looking to refine your technique or simply want a deep, ballet-specific stretch, this video provides the tools to help you reach your goals.
