Perfecting Your Frappé Back: How to Achieve a Fully Straightened Leg

In the world of ballet, the frappé is an exercise designed to develop speed, precision, and agility in the feet and lower legs. It serves as the direct preparation for petite allegro movements, where quick strikes against the floor translate into powerful, crisp jumps. However, one of the most common technical flaws occurs during the frappé derriére, or to the back.

Many dancers focus so much on the strike that they forget the finish, leading to a leg that never quite reaches full extension. At Broche Ballet, we emphasize that every movement at the barre has a purpose for center work. When performing a frappé to the back, your leg should achieve the same length and line as a dégagé.

The tendency for many students is to let the leg relax or remain slightly soft at the knee. Because we cannot see what is happening behind us as easily as we can to the front or side, this soft leg often goes unnoticed. To correct this, you must practice active muscularization.

This specific technique involves more than just stretching the leg. You must learn to actively engage the quadriceps muscles to pull the kneecap up and in. This engagement creates a locked, secure knee joint that projects a long, unbroken line from the hip to the pointed toes.

By focusing on this muscular action, you ensure that the leg does not just go to the back, but arrives there with intention and energy. In this instructional video, we break down how to maintain this tension throughout the exercise. We discuss the importance of the reach and how to use the floor to create resistance.

By mastering the straightening of the leg in frappé back, you will find that your stability increases and your lines become more aesthetically pleasing. This focused instruction is a perfect addition to your daily practice, helping you build the strength and awareness needed for advanced ballet technique.