What You'll Learn
- How to use active turnout to drive the depth and quality of your plié
- Proper pelvic alignment and control during rond de jambe and fondu exercises
- The mechanical connection between the hips and knees in the extension series
- Improving balance by pushing the knees back to stabilize leg rotation
- Maintaining a steady, controlled tempo for fluid and expressive movements
About This Video
In this comprehensive 42-minute technique class from Broche Ballet, we explore the fundamental mechanics of how turnout actively generates a more functional and stable plié. Many dancers view the plié and turnout as separate technical elements, but this lesson demonstrates how the active engagement of rotation—specifically the sensation of pushing the knees back—is what allows for deep, controlled movement in the pelvis and legs. The class begins with a focus on rond de jambe, a crucial exercise for establishing the relationship between the hip socket and the rotating femur.
By emphasizing the "knees back" cue, you will learn how to maintain a neutral pelvis even as the leg moves through various positions. This stability is the bedrock of professional-level technique and provides the necessary foundation for more complex extension series. A significant portion of the session is dedicated to the fondu.
In ballet, the word fondu means "to melt," and achieving that fluid, elastic quality requires a sophisticated understanding of how the knee and hip work in tandem. You will learn that the fondu movement originates deep within the hips. As you bend the supporting leg, focus on pushing both knees back; this action drives the heel forward and ensures that your turnout is active throughout the entire range of motion.
We will practice these movements en croix to ensure balance and symmetry across both sides of the body. By the end of this Broche Ballet practice, you will have a clearer understanding of how knee movement affects the direction of the foot and heel. Maintaining a steady, controlled tempo is vital for developing the muscle memory required for these nuances.
Whether you are working on your balance at the barre or preparing for center work, these insights into the mechanics of turnout and the plié will transform your approach to daily training. Improve your alignment, strengthen your rotation, and discover a more powerful way to move.
