What You'll Learn
- The optimal position of the leg relative to the torso in attitude derrière.
- How to use opposition to create a 'wrung out' full-body stretch.
- Visual cues for aligning your toe with your shoulder for better lines.
- Understanding the relationship between hip rotation and upper body counter-rotation.
About This Video
Refining your classical lines requires a deep understanding of body mechanics, particularly when it comes to positions behind the body like attitude derrière. In this Broche Ballet tutorial, we dive into the specific placement of the working leg to help you achieve a more professional and elongated silhouette. Many beginner and intermediate dancers mistakenly keep the knee of the working leg too close to the standing leg, which can collapse the line and limit the potential for a dynamic stretch.
The key to a successful attitude derrière lies in the relationship between the leg, the hip, and the opposite shoulder. Instead of aiming for a square position that limits height, we encourage dancers to allow the leg to travel further back. This movement naturally causes a slight twist in the hips.
To maintain the integrity of the ballet aesthetic, you must counteract this hip twist by rotating your upper body in the opposite direction. Think of your torso like a towel being wrung out. This opposition creates a full-body stretch that not only looks stunning but also provides the internal tension necessary for balance.
A great visual cue discussed in this video is aiming to see your toe behind your shoulder. When you reach this level of extension, you engage the deep muscles of the back and the glutes more effectively. By mastering this 'twist and counteract' method, you will find that your attitude derrière feels more secure and looks more expansive.
Whether you are practicing at the barre or in center, focusing on these micro-adjustments will elevate your overall technique. Ballet is an art of opposition. Every action has a counteraction.
By pulling the leg back while holding the shoulders stable, you create the classical 'S' curve that defines this iconic pose. This video provides a quick but essential breakdown of that specific physical sensation. Join our Broche Ballet community to continue refining these essential movements and find more freedom in your dancing.
