What You'll Learn
- How to engage the quadriceps to fully straighten the knee during extensions.
- Techniques for maintaining proper alignment in développé front and side.
- The importance of stretching through the toes to elongate the ballet line.
- Why quality and control should be prioritized over the height of the leg.
- How to maintain turnout and rotation during tendu and dégagé movements.
About This Video
Achieving the elusive "ballet line" requires more than just flexibility; it demands precise muscle engagement and a commitment to stretching through every joint. In this 15-minute ballet technique class at Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of front and side extensions to help you achieve beautiful, straight, and long-looking legs. Whether you are working at the barre or in the center, these principles will transform your aesthetic and your functional strength.
The lesson begins with a focus on fundamental movements: tendu, dégagé, and frappé. Many dancers struggle with a "soft" knee, which breaks the visual line of the leg and reduces stability. Our instructor provides detailed corrections on how to properly engage the quadriceps during a plié or demi-plié to ensure that when you push off the floor, the leg snaps into a fully lengthened position. By focusing on the big toe's connection to the floor, you create a stronger foundation for every extension.
We then move into développé (front and side) to refine your extension height. One of the key takeaways from this session is the prioritization of quality over height. You will learn why it is more beneficial to maintain a perfectly straight knee and a pointed toe at forty-five degrees than to struggle with a higher extension that compromises your alignment. We explore the "upside down" sensation of the leg—a vital component of maintaining external rotation (turnout) while the leg is in motion.
Throughout the class, we also touch upon movements like fondu and battement, emphasizing the importance of taking a moment to find your alignment before beginning a combination. This mindfulness prevents injury and ensures that you are working the correct muscle groups. By the end of this practice, you will have a clearer understanding of how to stretch through your toes and knees to create a seamless, elongated line in every movement. Join us at Broche Ballet and start refining your extensions today.
