What You'll Learn
- Anatomical cues for achieving and maintaining straight legs in arabesque.
- The proper path of the knee and femur bone during fondu transitions.
- Techniques for maintaining an open chest and neutral pelvis while moving.
- How to use core engagement to support controlled leg extensions.
- Specific muscle engagement to prevent a bent knee in back positions.
About This Video
Achieving a perfectly straight leg in arabesque is a common goal for many dancers, yet it remains one of the most challenging technical elements to master. In this 24-minute Deep Dive session from Broche Ballet, we step away from fast-paced combinations to focus on the meditative, slow, and detailed training required to refine your lines. This follow-along barre class is specifically designed to help you understand the mechanics of the leg, hip, and spine to create a professional and elongated aesthetic.
The class begins with focused exercises such as tendu to the side and back, where we emphasize the stretching of the foot along the floor and the full engagement of the knee. We then transition into detailed fondu work. Unlike typical barre work, we use this movement to explore the path of the femur bone. You will learn how the knee should cross over the body when moving from side to back, and how squeezing the leg into place as it moves across the body is the secret to finding that elusive straight line in your extensions.
Proper alignment is a cornerstone of this lesson. We discuss the importance of maintaining a wide, open chest and stable shoulders while keeping the pelvis neutral. By engaging the core and focusing on the relationship between the spine and the hip, you can execute movements like the coupé and fondu with greater control and less risk of injury. This class is not just about the legs; it is about the total body coordination required to support them. Whether you are struggling with a ‘soft’ knee or looking to improve your overall stability at the barre, this detailed technical breakdown provides the tools you need to elevate your practice.
