What You'll Learn
- How to use foot weight to facilitate a deep hip fold and release the hip flexor.
- The 90% rule for keeping the leg straight to maintain momentum and control.
- Techniques for bending at the top of the swing to absorb motion and increase height.
- How to lengthen the leg during the descent to maximize stretch without strain.
- Strategies to soften the impact at the edge of your flexibility range.
About This Video
Leg swings are a cornerstone of dynamic barre work, yet they are often misunderstood as mere momentum-based exercises. In this Broche Ballet tutorial, we dive deep into the mechanics of attitude leg swings, focusing on how to achieve greater range of motion without sacrificing control or safety. Proper execution requires a blend of release and strength, ensuring the dancer reaches their full potential height without creating unnecessary tension in the body.
The key to a successful leg swing lies in the relationship between weight and the hip joint. Instead of muscling the leg up using sheer force, learn to utilize the natural weight of your foot. This weight helps the hip to fold effectively in the front and allows for a necessary release of the hip flexor as the leg moves to the back. When the hip flexor remains too tight, it acts as a mechanical brake, preventing the leg from reaching its full potential height in attitude derriere. By focusing on the release, you create the space needed for a beautiful, high line.
Technical precision is vital during the execution of the swing. A common mistake among dancers is bending the knee too early in the arc. In this lesson, we advocate for keeping the leg straight for approximately 90% of the movement. The bend should only occur at the very peak of the arc. This intentional bend serves a critical purpose: it absorbs the momentum and softens the blow as you reach the edge of your natural flexibility. By softening this peak, you can actually lift the leg slightly higher, achieving a deeper fold and a more aesthetic line without the risk of jarring the joints or straining the muscles.
Furthermore, the transition from the peak back to the floor is just as important as the lift. By lengthening the leg as you descend, you maintain the space in the hip joint, allowing for a smooth and controlled return. This method of lengthening to go down ensures that you are stretching through the entire movement. Whether you are working on your grand battement or seeking more fluidity in your center work, mastering these subtle shifts in weight and timing will transform your practice.
