What You'll Learn
- How to use a standing pigeon variation to increase hip mobility and reorganize the IT band.
- The impact of foot articulation on hip flexor engagement during active stretches.
- Techniques for performing fondu on the barre to deepen flexibility and strength.
- Strategies to transition from passive flexibility to active, sustained leg extensions.
- Specific alignment cues for maintaining a high, turned-out passé with correct heel placement.
About This Video
Achieving effortless leg extensions and a beautifully high passé requires a delicate balance of flexibility and functional strength. In this 15-minute instructional video from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the biomechanics of the hip and leg to help you unlock a greater range of motion and improved stability. This session is designed to move beyond simple stretching, focusing instead on how to integrate strength into your flexibility training for lasting results in your classical ballet practice.
The class begins at the barre, where we explore the critical relationship between hip alignment and foot articulation. You will learn how the simple act of pointing your foot during a stretch can significantly challenge the hip flexors, preparing them for the demands of a high développé. We utilize the barre not just for balance, but as a tool to deepen your range of motion. By performing a series of fondu exercises with the leg elevated on the barre, you will learn to find a deeper stretch while maintaining the integrity of your turnout.
A key highlight of this tutorial is the 'standing pigeon' variation, a powerful exercise for reorganizing the IT band and improving hip mobility. This movement is essential for dancers who feel 'stuck' in their turnout or struggle to find the height they desire in their retiré. Throughout the session, the instructor provides specific cues on how to keep the knee back and the heel forward, ensuring that your passé maintains the iconic line required in classical dance.
We also address the transition from passive stretching to active holds. By engaging the core and focusing on a 'soft hip' approach, you will learn to hold your extensions without gripping or tension. Whether you are looking to improve your developpé devant or find more height in your side extensions, this Broche Ballet session provides the technical foundation needed to elevate your artistry and precision.
