What You'll Learn
- Correct ankle shape and directional cues to prevent sickling in all positions
- How to maintain active turnout throughout transitions in plié and tendu
- Proper heel and toe alignment specifically for a clean arabesque line
- Strategies for keeping the pinky toe back to ensure a professional foot shape
- The importance of slow, controlled movements to build technical muscle memory
About This Video
Refine your foundational ballet technique with this specialized Technique Barre class from Broche Ballet. In this second installment of our turnout series, we focus specifically on the relationship between turnout in plié and the shape of the ankle. Sickling is a common challenge for dancers of all levels, often stemming from a misunderstanding of how the foot should orient itself in space when the leg is rotated from the hip.
Throughout this 46-minute session, we utilize slow, intentional combinations to give you the time needed to feel the correct muscular engagement. We start by exploring the 'down and away' foot shape, ensuring your toes point toward the outside corners of the room rather than curling inward. You will learn why keeping the heel forward is the secret to a clean line in tendu and how to maintain that integrity as you move into more complex shapes like passé and arabesque.
We also tackle the specific mechanics of the ankle in low attitude and arabesque. By focusing on keeping the pinky toe back and the big toe properly placed, you will develop the muscle memory necessary to stop sickling before it starts. This class emphasizes that turnout isn't just about the hips; it is a full-leg engagement that ends at the very tips of your toes.
Our instructor guides you through exercises designed to highlight the relationship between knee rotation and ankle stability. We pay special attention to the tendency of the foot to 'fish' or sickle when the leg is behind the body. By applying specific directional cues, you will find a more secure and aesthetically pleasing line.
This technical precision is what sets Broche Ballet students apart, fostering a deep understanding of anatomy in motion. Join us at the barre to transform your technical execution and build a safer, more stable foundation for your dancing.
