What You'll Learn
- Proper pelvic alignment to maximize functional turnout in plié
- How to use the hip flexors to facilitate smooth leg extensions and folds
- Techniques for maintaining a stable lower back in à la seconde and arabesque
- The role of the hip flexor in transitions through passé and coup-de-pied
About This Video
In this 40-minute Technique Barre class from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the anatomical mechanics of turnout and the pivotal role of the hip flexors. Many dancers struggle with gripping in the hips, which can limit range of motion and lead to improper pelvic alignment. This session is designed to help you move beyond surface-level positions and find a functional, sustainable turnout from the top of the leg.
The class begins with a focus on pelvic placement. You will learn the importance of maintaining a neutral pelvis to avoid common pitfalls like tucking or arching, which can hinder your ability to rotate correctly. We explore how the pelvis interacts with the lower back, particularly during challenging movements à la seconde and in arabesque.
By establishing a stable base, you can find greater freedom in your hip joints. A significant portion of the class is dedicated to the relationship between the hip flexors and leg extensions. Using exercises like tendu and fondu, our instructor guides you through the sensation of folding and stretching the hip flexor.
This visualization is key to achieving height in your extensions without sacrificing alignment. You will practice keeping the pelvis still while imagining the changing shape of the hip flexor as the leg moves through passé and coup-de-pied. We also explore how these principles apply to larger movements, such as the grand jeté, by practicing how to compress and stretch the hip flexor for maximum power.
Whether you are working on your grand rond de jambe or seeking more control in your plié, this class offers the technical corrections and feedback necessary to elevate your practice. By engaging your core muscles and focusing on precise placement, you will build the strength and flexibility required for advanced ballet movements. This class emphasizes that turnout is a constant action, not a static position, requiring continuous engagement of the deep rotator muscles while keeping the hip flexors long and responsive.
Join the Broche Ballet community to refine your technique and gain a deeper understanding of your body's mechanics at the barre.
