What You'll Learn
- How to balance strength in the standing leg with release in the working hip socket.
- Techniques for allowing the head of the femur to move freely for higher extensions.
- Proper body alignment to prevent hip hiking and muscular gripping.
- The relationship between the front and back of the leg during powerful movements.
About This Video
The grand battement is one of the most exhilarating movements in ballet, representing the culmination of the work done during tendu and dégagé exercises. At Broche Ballet, we believe that understanding the underlying theory of a movement is the key to unlocking true technical mastery. In this Technique Tidbit, we dive into the specific mechanics of the grand battement, focusing on the delicate balance between strength and release.
Many dancers struggle with leg height or a clunky feeling in the hip when attempting large kicks. This often stems from trying to use too much muscular force in the wrong places. To achieve a high, fluid grand battement, you must learn to generate immense strength in your supporting side while simultaneously finding a sense of release in the working leg.
This release allows the head of the femur to rotate and swing freely within the hip socket, rather than getting pinched or stuck. In this session, we explore how to stabilize your standing leg so that the working leg can move with ease. When moving the leg to the side, or à la seconde, it is crucial to keep the hip unlocked.
By visualizing the femur bone's movement, you can prevent the common mistake of gripping the quadriceps or hiking the hip, which actually limits your range of motion. We also discuss the coordination of the front and back of the body. While the front of the leg provides the initial lift, the back of the leg and the core must remain responsive to facilitate the stretch and recovery of the movement.
This video is designed to help you transition from simply throwing your leg into the air to executing a controlled, powerful, and aesthetically pleasing grand battement. Whether you are working at the barre or preparing for center combinations, these theoretical insights will provide the breakthrough you need for better extensions and overall alignment.
