What You'll Learn
- How to maintain spiral rotation and turnout when moving from first position to devant.
- Techniques for 'toes down, heel up' to ensure proper alignment during leg lifts.
- Strengthening exercises for the inner thighs to support higher, more stable extensions.
- Recovery stretches including the butterfly and straddle to release hip and leg tension.
About This Video
Elevate your ballet technique with this targeted session on flexibility and devant (front) extensions. In this Broche Ballet practice, instructor Julie guides you through the intricate mechanics of maintaining turnout while lifting the leg. Many dancers struggle with losing rotation as soon as the foot leaves the floor; this session is designed to correct that habit by focusing on the specific "toes down, heel up" action that defines professional-level placement.
Working at the barre—and utilizing household furniture like a chair or a lower stool to provide varying levels of support—you will explore how to initiate movement deep from the hip socket and inner thighs. We dive deep into the transition from first position to a tendu devant, ensuring the spiral rotation remains active throughout the entire range of motion. By focusing on these micro-adjustments, you will develop the functional strength and muscle memory necessary for higher, more stable extensions without compromising your alignment.
Beyond just the height of the leg, this class emphasizes the technical "how" behind the movement. You will practice lifting into développé while keeping the standing leg grounded and perfectly turned out. This dual-focus training is essential for achieving the clean, classical lines expected in ballet.
We also cover various ways to leave first position, highlighting the importance of the heel leading the way to maintain that beautiful open line and avoid internal rotation. To wrap up the session, Julie leads a series of recovery stretches including the butterfly stretch and a wide straddle. These stretches are crucial for releasing tension in the hips and inner thighs after intense extension work, ensuring your muscles remain long and lean.
This class is an excellent resource for any dancer looking to bridge the gap between flexibility and active strength. Join Broche Ballet and transform your devant extensions through mindful, technical practice that focuses on the details that truly matter.
