What You'll Learn
- Master the 'push and pull' technique to maximize aesthetic leg length
- Achieve a classically 'winged' foot shape while avoiding sickling
- Use hip opposition to create the illusion of longer, more elegant lines
- Refine foot articulation through tendu, pas de cheval, and fondu
- Lead with the heel to ensure proper ankle alignment in all extensions
About This Video
Transform your ballet practice with this deep dive into foot shape and leg elongation. In this third installment of our specialized Technique Barre series at Broche Ballet, we move beyond basic steps to focus on the intricate mechanics that create the iconic classical silhouette. This 52-minute session is designed for dancers who want to master the "push and pull" of the lower leg—a technique where you point the foot with such intensity that the quadriceps must fully engage to maintain a straight knee, resulting in a line that looks infinitely long.
We explore the nuanced "winging" of the foot, achieved by pulling the big toe back toward the ankle, which prevents sickling and enhances the aesthetic of every tendu and dégagé. Throughout the barre, from slow demi-pliés to precise pas de cheval, you will learn to lead with the heel, ensuring that the ankle remains forward and the hips stay square. We also tackle the concept of opposition; by pulling the hip back as the leg reaches out in a fondu or arabesque, you create a visual stretch that adds inches to your lines.
This class prioritizes technical quality and deliberate articulation over speed, allowing you to feel every movement from the tips of your toes through the hip socket. Whether you are working on a side-to-front rond de jambe or a stable sous-sous, these technical adjustments will elevate your artistry and strength. Join us to refine your alignment and find your most expressive feet yet.
