What You'll Learn
- Achieve the perfect foot shape and flexibility for a clean attitude line
- Master upper body twist and rib line movement for a balanced pose
- Maintain head alignment and spine rotation without losing your center
- How to lengthen the standing side while twisting to avoid collapsing
About This Video
Welcome to the first installment of our focused series on one of ballet’s most iconic and beautiful positions: the attitude back (derrière). In this 46-minute deep dive with Broche Ballet, we move beyond the basic shape to explore the intricate biomechanics that create a professional, lifted line. The attitude back is often misunderstood as a simple bend of the knee, but true mastery requires a sophisticated understanding of spinal rotation and upper body placement.
We begin by breaking down the rib line movement. You will learn how to initiate the twist from the middle of the back rather than just the shoulders. This crucial distinction allows for a deeper épaulement without compromising your balance or alignment.
We use the shoulder blades as anatomical landmarks to ensure your twist is effective and aesthetically pleasing. A key focus of this class is the relationship between the head and the spine. Many dancers struggle with an over-rotated look or lose their focus when twisting.
We practice keeping the head straight and stable while the back spirals, a skill that is essential for maintaining a strong line of sight and preventing dizziness during transitions. You will also discover how lengthening the standing side is the secret to a high, effortless attitude. By creating space in the standing hip and torso, you prevent the weight from sinking, allowing the working leg to float more freely.
We also spend significant time on foot shape and flexibility. Using specific exercises—including flexing the foot to find the correct path before moving to a pointed position—we ensure your attitude doesn't fall into a sickle or lose its external rotation. Whether you are practicing at the barre or preparing for center work, this lesson provides the technical foundation needed to execute the attitude back with both strength and grace.
Join us to refine your technique and prepare for the second half of this workshop!
