What You'll Learn
- The "heat map" technique for varying floor pressure throughout the movement.
- How to maintain a stable standing hip to allow for maximum leg extension.
- The importance of heel placement and the "feather touch" for clean lines.
- Creating resistance and control when closing the foot back to first position.
About This Video
In this Broche Ballet quick tip, we dive into the nuances of one of ballet’s most essential movements: the tendu. While the motion may seem simple, achieving truly long legs and elegant lines requires a sophisticated understanding of floor pressure and weight distribution. To create that sought-after elongated look, you must treat the floor as your partner rather than just a surface.
" Imagine your foot’s contact with the floor. The most intense pressure should be felt while your feet are in first position. As you brush your foot out into the tendu, that pressure should gradually decrease, resulting in a "feather touch" or light contact at the very end of the extension.
However, even at full extension, you should continue reaching through the bottom of your foot and keeping your heel approximately two inches off the ground to maintain a taut, controlled line. Stability on the standing leg is equally vital. By keeping your standing hip pulled up and still, you provide a solid anchor that allows the working leg to extend further without compromising your alignment.
When it is time to close the movement, don't just slide back. Instead, create resistance by pushing down through the floor with your heel as you return to first position. This constant engagement not only builds strength but also ensures that every movement is intentional and aesthetically pleasing.
By mastering these subtle shifts in pressure and maintaining a "long" mindset, you will transform your basic exercises at the barre into a display of grace and strength. Whether you are practicing at home or in the studio, these tips from Broche Ballet will help you find more length and precision in every step.
