What You'll Learn
- Technical hip squaring techniques to ensure proper alignment in devant
- Manual muscle rotation methods to shift the quad and calf for better turnout
- Stability checks using relevé to improve balance and weight placement
- IT band reorganization exercises to increase range of motion in the hip
- Deep stretching techniques for the standing leg and the extended leg
About This Video
Achieving a high, stable devant extension is a hallmark of a strong ballet technique, but it requires more than just raw flexibility. In this specialized tutorial from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of stretching at the barre to unlock greater height and better control in your front extensions. This class focuses on the intricate relationship between the quadriceps, the calf muscles, and the alignment of the hips.
You will learn how to properly square your hips by pushing the standing hip forward, ensuring your inner thighs are correctly positioned for a true classical line. We also explore a unique manual manipulation technique, where you will learn to physically guide your quad muscle down and your calf muscle up to encourage maximum external rotation while the leg is elevated. Beyond simple stretching, this video emphasizes functional stability.
We use a relevé test to ensure you aren't leaning into your standing leg or relying too heavily on the barre for balance. By reorganizing the IT band through specific flexing and bending movements while the leg is on the barre, you'll find more space in the hip socket for the leg to travel higher. Whether you are an intermediate student looking to reach 90 degrees or an advanced dancer aiming for a higher dévelopé, these targeted stretches provide the anatomical foundation necessary for beautiful, effortless devant extensions.
