What You'll Learn
- The technical secret of pushing down with the toes to launch the leg upward
- How to execute grand battements in all directions: front, side, and back
- How to use the 'flick' of the toes to create dynamic power and height
- Strategies for maintaining balance in sous-sus or on one leg after large movements
- Proper arm coordination and head alignment during grand battement sequences
About This Video
Welcome to a comprehensive beginner's guide to the grand battement. In this 38-minute Broche Ballet class, we dive deep into one of the most dynamic and powerful movements in the ballet vocabulary. While it might look like a simple high leg lift, the secret to a high, controlled, and effortless grand battement actually lies in the floorwork and the strength of the feet. This session is designed to help you understand the mechanics of the movement so you can execute it with both power and precision.
Throughout the class, we focus on the essential concept of the "push down" to go up. Instead of thinking about lifting the heavy weight of the leg, students are taught to use their toes to strike the floor with a distinct flick. This flick of the toes provides a running head start, launching the arch and allowing the leg to soar with less muscular strain and more technical accuracy. We break down the grand battement into its component parts, ensuring you feel the connection between your foot and the floor at every stage of the movement.
The curriculum covers grand battements in all directions: devant (front), à la seconde (side), and derrière (back). When moving to the back, we discuss the specific pathway where the toes sweep behind the head to maintain proper alignment and avoid common pitfalls in posture. We also explore the importance of the supporting leg, ensuring it remains tall and stable while the working leg performs.
A grand battement is only as good as its finish. Therefore, we practice transitioning from these powerful kicks into stable, controlled balances. You will work on finding your center in a clean sous-sus or on one leg in a coupé or retiré position. This ensures that you develop the core stability and coordination needed to remain "on your leg" even during the most vigorous barre exercises. Whether you are just starting your ballet journey or looking to refine your fundamentals, this practice provides the professional cues and drills needed to elevate your technique.
