What You'll Learn
- How to maintain turnout when transitioning from derrière to à la seconde
- How to avoid overshooting the side position to keep the hips level
- The difference between finding the edge en dehors versus en dedans
- Techniques for pushing the hips forward to lock in rotation
- Isolation exercises to practice the back-to-side transition
About This Video
In this lesson, we explore a subtle yet transformative adjustment for your Grand Rond de Jambe en dedans. This movement, which translates to a "large circle of the leg" moving inward, requires a sophisticated understanding of how the femur rotates within the hip socket. At Broche Ballet, we believe that focusing on these small technical tidbits is the key to unlocking professional-level grace and stability.
The primary focus of this tutorial is the transition from the back (derrière) to the side (à la seconde). As the leg travels through this arc, the dancer often feels a natural tendency to let the leg fall forward or overshoot the side position. When we move en dehors (front to side), we are encouraged to find the "edge" of our turnout.
In contrast, when moving en dedans, the challenge is recognizing where that edge is and stopping precisely there to ensure the rotation remains engaged. Why is overshooting a problem? When the leg moves past the true à la seconde alignment during an en dedans movement, the hip often hitches or rotates forward, causing the leg to turn in.
This breaks the clean line and compromises the stability of the supporting leg. To maintain maximum turnout, you must visualize the leg arriving at a point directly to your side. As the leg reaches this edge, think of pushing your hips forward and lengthening the supporting side.
This creates the necessary space in the hip joint to keep the knee facing the ceiling and the heel presenting forward. Practicing this transition in isolation at the barre allows you to build the muscle memory needed for more complex sequences. Instead of rushing through the full circle, try practicing the movement from the back to the side only.
Focus on the moment of arrival in à la seconde. By refining this one specific transition, you will find that your entire rond de jambe becomes smoother, more turned out, and significantly more controlled.
