Barre Stretches and Extensions: Master Arabesque Placement and Strength

Elevate your ballet practice with this focused 20-minute session dedicated to perfecting your extensions and placement. In this class from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of the arabesque and devant positions, two of the most iconic yet challenging shapes in classical dance. Many dancers struggle with maintaining a square hip or a straight knee as the leg gains height, but this tutorial provides the technical conditioning tools needed to overcome those common hurdles.

We begin at the barre, utilizing it as a foundational tool for stability while we isolate the specific muscle groups required for high, clean extensions. ' This involves reaching through the toes of the working leg while simultaneously lifting the standing hip up and under to create a solid, vertical base. By mastering the demi-plié as a functional preparation, you will learn how to stabilize your pelvis and engage your glutes effectively before the leg ever leaves the floor.

We also address the technicality of the standing leg, emphasizing that a straight knee is the result of active muscle engagement and proper weight distribution. We provide specific visual and tactile cues, such as placing a hand under the glute to feel the upward press, which helps dancers understand how to generate power from the correct place. Beyond just the legs, we focus on upper-body posture—keeping the shoulders down and the belly button lifted—to ensure your arabesque is supported from the core.

This is more than just a flexibility session; it is a refinement class designed to help you achieve a more professional line and greater control. We conclude the session with a series of twists to unwind the spine and release any tension built during the intense extension work. Join us at Broche Ballet to transform your technique and feel more confident in your movements.