What You'll Learn
- How to find the optimal distance from the barre to maintain level hips and deep rotation
- Manual manipulation techniques to guide the femur into the correct 'upside-down' turnout position
- The relationship between quadriceps rotation and heel placement for cleaner leg lines
- How rotation in second position directly improves the height and stability of your passé and extensions
- Practical drills including fondu and cambré side to reinforce proper hip socket engagement
About This Video
Refining your à la seconde placement is a journey of both flexibility and technical precision. In this 14-minute practice session from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of leg rotation and hip alignment using targeted barre stretches. Many dancers struggle with a hiking hip or a turned-in knee when extending to the side, but by understanding the relationship between the femur and the hip socket, you can unlock a greater range of motion and a cleaner line.
We begin by addressing a common mistake: incorrect distance from the barre. Standing too close often forces the working hip to hike upward, while standing too far prevents you from accessing the deep stretch required for the inner thigh. Finding that perfect groove is the first step toward a stable second position.
From there, we explore manual muscle manipulation—physically squishing the quadriceps back and pulling the inner thigh and heel forward. This creates the upside-down sensation essential for professional ballet technique, where the hamstring and calf face the front of the room while the quad rotates toward the back. The session incorporates specific drills, such as fondu and cambré side, to help you feel the rotation actively.
You will learn how the work done at the barre in second position directly correlates to higher leg extensions and more precise shapes in passé. By focusing on rotating the leg within the hip socket during movements like grand plié, rather than simply forcing the knees back, you build the functional strength needed for advanced adagio work. Whether you are looking to improve your turnout or find more stability in your extensions, these stretches provide the tactile feedback your body needs to understand the direction of movement.
Join us at Broche Ballet to refine your technique and bring more ease and grace to your à la seconde placement.
