What You'll Learn
- The 'Straight vs. Back' mental cue for maximum leg stability
- How to prevent the support knee from dipping during high extensions
- The role of the standing hip in counter-balancing forward leg momentum
- Applying stability techniques to grand battement both front and side
About This Video
Have you ever felt your support leg give way just as you launch into a powerful grand battement? This common buckling of the knee can disrupt your line, throw off your balance, and diminish the power of your movement. In this Quicktip from Broche Ballet, we dive into the specific mechanics required to keep your standing leg rock-solid while performing a grand battement front.
The secret lies in changing your mental focus from simply keeping the leg straight to thinking of the leg as back. When we only focus on a straight leg, we often fail to engage the deep stabilizing muscles of the hip and thigh. By focusing on pushing the standing leg back into the socket, you engage the posterior chain and lock the knee into a secure, supported position that resists the forward momentum of the working leg.
As the working leg moves into a grand battement front, there is a natural tendency for the pelvis to tilt and the standing knee to dip forward. To counter this, you must actively pull your standing hip back as your front hip and leg extend forward. This opposition creates a stable anchor in your center, allowing for a higher, more controlled extension without sacrificing your standing side.
This technique isn't just for front movements; you can apply the same principle of a back standing leg when performing grand battement à la seconde. Maintaining this structural integrity at the barre translates directly to better balance during center work and across-the-floor combinations. By mastering this small but vital adjustment, you will find more freedom in your working leg and more confidence in your overall ballet technique.
Join us at Broche Ballet to refine these details and elevate your daily practice.
