What You'll Learn
- How to achieve a perfectly straight ankle line to avoid sickling
- Proper weight placement on the big toenail for maximum extension
- Techniques for 'scooping' the toes to ensure clean transitions
- How to maintain heel placement when moving through half-toe
About This Video
The tendu is a foundational movement in every ballet class, yet the tendu back (tendu derrière) often presents unique challenges regarding alignment and foot placement. At Broche Ballet, we believe that mastering these subtle details is the key to developing a strong, professional-looking line. This lesson focuses on the mechanics of the foot and ankle to ensure your extensions are both beautiful and technically sound.
One of the most common mistakes dancers face is a 'sickled' or broken ankle line when reaching to the back. In a proper tendu back, it is essential to maintain a straight line from the shin through the top of the foot. This requires conscious control of the ankle muscles to ensure the foot doesn't roll or twist as it moves away from the body. By keeping the ankle straight, you protect your joints and create the long, elegant silhouette that ballet is known for.
When reaching the full extension of the tendu, the toes should be pointed firmly without 'crunching.' Specifically, the weight should rest lightly on the side of the big toenail. This specific placement helps maintain the turnout from the hip and keeps the heel in a forward-facing position, preventing the foot from turning in or 'winging' incorrectly.
The closure of the movement is just as important as the extension. In this video, we explore how to 'scoop' or sweep the toes under as you draw the leg back toward the supporting leg. This ensures that the foot articulates through the floor, transitioning through a clean half-toe position before the heel finally lowers. These mechanical details are best practiced at the ballet barre, where you can focus entirely on the lower body. By refining your tendu back, you build the muscle memory necessary for more complex movements like dégagé and grand battement. Join Broche Ballet to dive deeper into these technical nuances and elevate your daily dance practice.
