What You'll Learn
- Correct toe and heel alignment in front, side, and back positions
- How to use a flexed foot to maintain turnout during large circular movements
- Visualizing heel placement to avoid sickling and maintain rotation
- Techniques for transitioning the leg from back to front with the heel leading
About This Video
Achieving a fluid and technically sound grand rond de jambe is a milestone for any serious dancer. This powerful movement requires not just strength, but a deep understanding of hip rotation and foot alignment throughout the entire circular path. At Broche Ballet, we believe that breaking down complex movements into manageable technical cues is the best way to see real progress.
In this quick tip, we explore an unconventional but highly effective training method: using a flexed foot to master the grand rond de jambe. One of the most common challenges in a grand rond de jambe is maintaining turnout as the leg travels through the side and to the back. When the foot is pointed, it can be easy to lose track of where the heel is in relation to the toes, often leading to a sickled foot or lost rotation.
By performing the movement with a flexed foot at the barre, you gain immediate tactile feedback on your alignment. When your leg is in the front position, focus on keeping your toes directly next to your heel. As you transition to the side position, your toes should be stacked on top of the heel or even slightly behind it to ensure you are engaging the correct rotators.
When the leg reaches the back position, the focus shifts to lifting the toes above the heel. This prevents the leg from dropping and keeps the hips level. The most critical part of the circle is the transition from the back to the front.
To maintain your turnout, visualize the underside of your heel leading the way forward to the ground. This heel-first approach ensures that your leg remains rotated in the hip socket throughout the entire arc. Practicing this with a flexed foot builds the muscle memory needed for a beautiful, stable grand rond de jambe.
