What You'll Learn
- The mechanics of opposition: keeping the working hip forward and standing hip back.
- How to use the sartorius muscle to stabilize and lift the leg during extensions.
- Techniques to alleviate 'snapping hip' through targeted inner thigh massage and stretching.
- Proper alignment strategies to prevent low back injury during grand battement.
- The mechanical differences when transitioning your leg from front to side.
About This Video
Elevate your ballet technique with this comprehensive deep dive into devant (front) extensions and flexibility mechanics. At Broche Ballet, we understand that achieving a high, stable extension requires more than just raw flexibility; it demands a sophisticated understanding of how the body moves in space. This class focuses specifically on the mechanics of the grand battement and the intricate relationship between hip alignment and muscular engagement.
One of the core concepts covered is the principle of opposition. To execute a clean grand battement devant, you must learn to keep the working hip forward while actively pulling the standing hip back. This opposition is crucial for maintaining stability, especially when moving into a relevé or transitioning into a penché.
We explore the role of the sartorius muscle—the longest muscle in the human body—and how engaging it on the inside of the knee helps pull the leg forward and maintain correct turnout across the body. Many dancers struggle with a snapping hip sensation when performing extensions or transitioning from front to side. In this session, Julie breaks down why this happens, often pointing to tight tendons and the inner thigh musculature.
You will learn specific massage and stretching techniques designed to release these areas, allowing for a smoother, pain-free range of motion. We also discuss the different schools of thought regarding hip placement, exploring the balance between keeping the hips perfectly square and allowing for a natural, controlled rotation that supports the low back. Whether you are working to clear the 90-degree mark or aiming for a full six o'clock extension, understanding these mechanical foundations is key.
By focusing on the why behind the movement, you can prevent common low-back injuries and develop the strength needed for effortless, beautiful extensions. Join us as we deconstruct the mechanics of the front extension to help you dance with more precision and grace.
