What You'll Learn
- How to engage the hamstring to initiate the passé movement
- Techniques to avoid 'hiking the hip' and maintain pelvic alignment
- The functional meaning of 'lifting from underneath' in ballet
- Drills to improve knee-bend control in turned-out positions
About This Video
In the world of ballet, the passé is a fundamental movement that requires both grace and technical precision. However, many dancers, especially those at the intermediate level, struggle with the common mistake of 'hiking the hip' as they bring their foot to the knee. At Broche Ballet, we believe that understanding the mechanics of your muscles is the key to unlocking better form.
This lesson focuses on a game-changing concept: the passé comes from your hamstring. Instead of pulling the leg up from the front of the hip or the hip flexor, which can lead to tension and misalignment, this tutorial teaches you how to engage the hamstring to bend the knee properly. This 'lifting from underneath' sensation ensures that the movement is driven by the back of the leg, allowing for a more stable and turned-out position.
By contracting the hamstring, you gain better control over the detail of how far the knee is bent, whether you are performing a coupé or a full passé. The exercises in this video guide you through practicing this engagement in various directions. You will explore movements such as tendu into passé, focusing on the specific moment the hamstring takes over to lift the foot from the floor.
We also address how this feels in a turned-out position, where the sensation in the hamstring might feel unusual at first compared to parallel movements. Mastering this muscular connection will not only improve your passé but also enhance your développé and pirouette preparations. By shifting your focus from the hip flexor to the hamstring, you create a cleaner line and a more functional movement pattern.
This approach reduces the risk of strain and allows for a more effortless-looking technique. Join us as we dive deep into these technical nuances to help you dance with more strength, clarity, and precision.
