Mastering À La Seconde: Ballet Barre Stretches & Extensions

Achieving high, effortless extensions à la seconde is a goal for many dancers, but the secret often lies in anatomy rather than just flexibility. In this Broche Ballet practice session, we dive deep into the mechanics of the hip and core to help you unlock more height and freedom in your grand battement. The instructor focuses on a crucial, often overlooked technical detail: the crease in the hip flexor.

Instead of gripping the quads—a common mistake that can lead to injury and restricted movement—you will learn how to smush the hip fold to create space for the leg to rise. Throughout this class, you will explore various barre exercises, including pliés, tendus, and passés, all designed to prep the body for high extensions. The instructor provides specific anatomical cues, encouraging you to feel the movement rather than just executing it mechanically.

By engaging the hamstrings and glutes properly, you provide the necessary support to lift the leg while keeping the upper body stable. Core engagement is also a major focus; keeping the ribs integrated and the spine aligned is essential to prevent the pelvis from tilting incorrectly during à la seconde work. Whether you are working on your grand battement or trying to refine the shape of your attitude, this video provides the corrections and feedback needed to improve your movement quality.

You will learn to differentiate between muscling a movement and using efficient mechanics. By focusing on the fold and bend at the hip joint, you will find that your legs feel lighter and your turnout becomes more accessible. This session is an excellent tool for dancers of all levels who want to build a strong, anatomically sound foundation for their ballet practice.

Join us at Broche Ballet to refine your technique and reach new heights in your training.