What You'll Learn
- Proper hip alignment techniques to keep the pelvis level during barre extensions.
- Using a soft knee and flexed foot to safely release joints and target muscle fibers.
- How to integrate pliés and cambré to intensify the reach and deepen the muscle release.
- The mechanics of pivoting the standing leg from devant to à la seconde while maintaining turnout.
About This Video
Achieving beautiful ballet lines requires more than just raw flexibility; it demands anatomical precision and a deep understanding of hip placement. In this 14-minute practice session from Broche Ballet, we dive into the mechanics of front and side stretches at the barre, focusing on the essential habit of pulling the working hip down and back. Proper alignment ensures your pelvis remains level and untwisted, which is the foundation for correct turnout and height in extensions.
We begin the session by challenging the traditional approach to stretching. By starting with a flexed foot and a soft bend in the knee, you can release the tension in the joint and better isolate the back of the leg and the hip flexors. This method allows for a more effective stretch that targets the muscle belly rather than straining the ligaments.
As we progress, we integrate movements like the plié and cambré. Utilizing a plié while the leg is resting on the barre creates a dynamic release, allowing you to sink deeper into the stretch with control. Throughout this practice, you are encouraged to use physical sensation as a map.
Whether you feel tightness in the inner thighs, the back of the knees, or the psoas, identifying these areas helps you customize your training for better long-term results. We also tackle one of the most technical transitions: moving from devant to à la seconde. You will learn how to pivot the standing leg correctly, ensuring that your turnout is maintained from the hip socket and your alignment remains secure.
This lower body recovery and flexibility session is designed for dancers who want to move beyond basic stretching and toward a professional-level understanding of their own anatomy. By focusing on the how of the movement, you will find greater freedom in your dancing and a more stable base for your technique.
