What You'll Learn
- How to fold the femur bone into the hip socket for increased range of motion.
- Techniques to engage the quadriceps and hip flexors for higher, more stable extensions.
- Specific conditioning exercises to improve devant and à la seconde placements.
- The role of inner thigh strength in maintaining turnout and stability during leg lifts.
About This Video
In this 20-minute intensive session with Julie from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of ballet extensions. While many dancers focus solely on passive flexibility, this class emphasizes the critical role of functional strength and technical placement in achieving high, stable legs. We shift the focus from simple stretching to active conditioning, ensuring you have the internal power to lift and hold your legs with grace and precision.
The core of this lesson revolves around the anatomical placement of the femur bone within the hip socket. Understanding how to properly fold the femur is a game-changer for dancers who struggle with a pinching sensation in the hips or limited range in devant and à la seconde positions. By mastering this subtle internal adjustment, you can unlock a greater range of motion without sacrificing your alignment or pelvic stability.
We also explore the essential synergy between the hip flexors and the quadriceps. You will learn how to engage these muscle groups effectively to lift the leg into a clean retiré before extending it fully. Julie provides specific cues for maintaining a strong quad, which is vital for pulling the leg straight and supporting it at its maximum height.
Furthermore, the class includes targeted conditioning for the inner thighs, which provide the necessary foundation for turned-out side extensions. Whether you are working on the height of your devant extensions or looking to refine your à la seconde placement, this video provides the technical tools needed to transform your adagio work. By focusing on the anatomical logic behind the movement, Broche Ballet helps you build a sustainable, injury-free, and powerful dance practice from the comfort of your home barre.
