What You'll Learn
- Mastering the undulation feeling between toes from front to back
- Identifying which specific toes should touch the floor at different points in the movement
- Using floor contact to visualize and improve rotation in the hip
- How to roll through the big toe and third toe to maintain turnout
About This Video
In the world of classical ballet, the rond de jambe par terre is a fundamental barre exercise designed to promote hip flexibility and core stability. However, many dancers overlook the intricate work happening at the level of the feet. In this Broche Ballet Quicktip, we dive deep into the specific articulation required to execute a smooth, professional rond de jambe.
The key to a fluid movement lies in what we call toe undulation. As your leg travels through its circular path, the point of contact between your foot and the floor should constantly evolve. Instead of keeping one toe static, you should feel a rolling sensation through the toes.
Starting in a piqué front position, you begin with the big toe and second toe. As you move toward the side and eventually to the back, the contact point shifts toward the third toe to maintain maximum turnout. Visualizing which part of the foot is touching the floor serves as a powerful biofeedback mechanism.
When you focus on the sensation of your big toe nail scraping the floor as you transition from the back to the front, you naturally encourage the rotation to come from the hip socket rather than just the ankle. This detailed awareness helps prevent sickling and ensures that your leg remains elongated and turned out throughout the entire phrase. By mastering these micro-adjustments, you will find that your rond de jambe becomes more rhythmic and grounded.
Whether you are practicing at home or in the studio, focusing on the relationship between your toes and the floor is a game-changer for your overall ballet technique.
