Just Pliés and Tendus: A Relaxing Ballet Warmup Barre

Start your dance day with intention and grace. " This class is designed to be a relaxing yet technically demanding warmup barre that centers your body and sharpens your focus on the core principles of ballet technique. By stripping away complex choreography, we allow you to zoom in on the essential mechanics of every plié, tendu, and relevé.

Throughout this session, our instructor provides detailed corrections to help you refine your execution. You will work through exercises en croix, focusing heavily on the maintenance of turnout throughout the entire range of motion. Special attention is given to the transition back into first position—ensuring the heels and toes maintain their proper relationship to avoid common alignment errors.

We also integrate pas de cheval to develop articulation in the feet and demi-plié sequences that emphasize a vertical torso, reminding dancers to avoid leaning forward. The class also highlights the importance of the relevé for building lower body strength and balance. You will practice swiveling the heels forward while descending, a technique that ensures stability and protects the joints.

Because the movements are performed at a controlled pace, you have the space to monitor your posture, keeping your shoulders straight and your core engaged. This practice is perfect for the dancer who wants to slow down and perfect their foundation. The tendu is the root of all jumps, and the plié is the dancer's primary shock absorber; mastering them here will improve your performance in every other part of the class.

Whether you use this as your primary daily movement or as a precursor to a longer center practice, you will leave the barre feeling aligned, strengthened, and ready to dance.