Mastering Ballet Extensions: Devant and à la Seconde Barre Conditioning

At Broche Ballet, we believe that achieving beautiful, high extensions starts with a deep understanding of anatomical alignment. This specialized barre conditioning session focuses on the mechanics of the hip joint to help you find greater freedom of movement in devant (front) and à la seconde (side) positions. Rather than simply pulling on the muscles, Julie guides you through the nuances of positioning the leg correctly within the pelvis to avoid common pitfalls like hip gripping and restricted turnout.

A primary focus of this class is the femur bone and its relationship to the hip socket. You will learn how to visualize the head of the femur moving down into the pelvis, creating the space necessary for a clean, stable extension. By utilizing techniques such as pushing the tip of the femur through the gluteal muscles and holding the shin to feel the bone's rotation, you can achieve a more secure and functional placement. These exercises are essential for dancers who feel 'stuck' at a certain height or experience tension in their hip flexors during adagio or grand battement.

In addition to hip conditioning, this session incorporates targeted stretches to release the hip flexors and relax the surrounding musculature. By pulling the leg away from the body and then back in, you can loosen the joint, followed by shaking the leg out to further release tension. This anatomical approach ensures that your extensions are supported by bone alignment rather than just muscular force. To round out the session, Julie includes stretches for the upper back and spine, helping you maintain a tall, elegant posture while working on your lower body flexibility. Whether you are looking to improve your développé or simply want to feel more mobile in your daily practice, these stretches provide the foundational tools necessary for professional-level ballet lines.