Mastering Ballet Extensions and Barre Stretches for À La Seconde

Achieving high, stable leg extensions is a signature goal for many dancers, yet it requires a delicate balance of strength, flexibility, and proper alignment. In this Broche Ballet instructional session, we dive deep into the mechanics of the side extension. We begin our practice on the floor, an essential environment for isolating muscle groups without the added challenge of gravity. By starting with floor work, you can focus on rotating the leg correctly within the hip socket and finding a clean passé position. This foundational work ensures that when you transition to the barre, your body understands how to maintain placement while extending the leg à la seconde.

Transitioning to the barre, we explore the relationship between the standing leg and the working leg. One of the most common hurdles in extension training is tension in the hip flexors. To combat this, our exercises emphasize the use of demi-plié and stretch sequences to release the front of the hip, allowing for a more natural and fluid movement. You will learn how to drop the hip down and behind you, ensuring the toes are pointed in the correct line of travel.

At Broche Ballet, we believe that placement is more important than raw height. Throughout the video, Julie guides you through the process of finding your center and squeezing the standing hip to provide a stable foundation. Whether you are performing a simple stretch or working on a full extension in relevé, these techniques will help you achieve a more professional and injury-free ballet line. By focusing on relaxation in the hip joint and strength in the supporting side, you will unlock a greater range of motion and more controlled extensions in your center practice.