What You'll Learn
- Master the mechanical connection between driving the knee back and pressing the heel forward.
- Learn to lead with the heel in tendu front and side to maximize rotation.
- Maintain heel height in tendu back by leading with the toes and resisting with the knee.
- Execute a stable coup-de-pied with proper knee swiveling and heel placement.
- Apply turnout resistance during rond de jambe and attitude for professional lines.
About This Video
Maintaining proper rotation in the working leg is one of the most challenging aspects of ballet technique. In this 24-minute follow-along class from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of active turnout. Rather than relying on static placement, you will learn how to actively conjure rotation through every movement, from the initial plié to the final grand plié.
The core of this lesson focuses on the dynamic relationship between the knee and the heel. You will practice the essential mechanical action of driving the knee back to force the heel forward, a critical skill for any dancer looking to improve their lines. We explore how this applies across a variety of foundational exercises including tendu, coup-de-pied, and envelopé.
By slowing down the tempo, we allow the body to register the correct engagement of the rotators, ensuring that the working leg remains turned out even during complex transitions. A significant portion of the class is dedicated to the directional lead of the foot. You will learn the specific technique of leading with the heel during tendu front and side to prevent the leg from turning inward as it extends.
Conversely, for tendu back, you will practice leading with the toes while maintaining the structural integrity of the arch and pushing the knee back to keep the heel from dropping toward the floor. As the session progresses into rond de jambe and attitude, the focus shifts to resistance. By keeping the heel forward as long as possible while the leg travels through the side, you build the muscle memory required for professional-level execution.
This class also covers the nuances of a secure coup-de-pied position, emphasizing the swivel of the knee and the precise placement of the heel against the ankle. Whether you are working on your demi-pointe stability or the fluid transition of a ton lié, mastering the working leg rotation is essential for progress. Join us at Broche Ballet to refine your technique and build functional strength.
