What You'll Learn
- How to use grand plié alignment to find your optimal retiré height.
- Techniques for engaging hamstrings and hip flexors for a more secure position.
- Proper rib and pelvis placement to maintain balance during leg lifts.
- Using temps lié transitions to maintain flow and hip space between exercises.
About This Video
Finish your practice with a flourish! This "Cherry on Top" session from Broche Ballet focuses on the mechanics of a high, secure retiré. We begin by using the grand plié as a physical blueprint for proper knee placement and turnout.
By identifying the exact spatial coordinates of the knee during a grand plié, dancers can find a more accurate and stable retiré position. The drill transitions from a clean coup-de-pied into a lifted retiré, emphasizing the importance of active engagement. You will learn to squeeze the hamstrings while simultaneously lifting the hip flexors to achieve that elusive extra half-inch of height.
Throughout the exercise, maintaining core stability is paramount—keep the ribs closed, the shoulders down, and the pelvis in a neutral, tucked position to prevent compensation. We also incorporate a temps lié to transition between sides, ensuring that you create the necessary space in the hip socket to execute the movement on the other leg. This quick but intensive drill is designed to be added to the end of any ballet class or barre session to reinforce muscle memory and improve the aesthetic line of your positions.
Whether you are working toward better pirouettes or more stable balances, mastering the retiré is essential. Broche Ballet is committed to providing detailed technical insights that help adult dancers bridge the gap between basic movement and refined artistry. By focusing on these micro-adjustments in your alignment and muscle engagement, you can transform your technique and feel more confident en pointe or in the center.
