Ballet Tendu: Why the Basics Get Harder as You Progress

In the world of classical dance, the tendu is often introduced as a simple building block. However, as any seasoned student at Broche Ballet will tell you, the better you get at ballet, the harder the tendu actually becomes. This Technique Tidbit explores the paradoxical nature of ballet fundamentals and how to harness the floor to improve your execution.

Many beginners view the tendu as a simple movement of the foot sliding away from the body. To truly master the form, you must shift your perspective from simply moving out to actively pushing down. The movement should always begin with a definitive downward force into the floor.

By pushing straight down through your foot before it begins its journey, you engage the stabilizing muscles of the standing leg and the deep rotators of the working leg. Creating your own resistance is the key to an advanced tendu. While the out part of the movement might feel easy when done loosely, a proper tendu requires you to use the floor as a source of friction.

Imagine you are moving through thick honey or pushing a heavy weight across the floor. This internal effort ensures that your glutes and the front of your legs are fully engaged, providing the necessary strength for more complex movements later in class, such as grand battement or jeté. At Broche Ballet, we emphasize that progress isn't just about learning new steps; it is about performing the basic steps with more integrity and force.

As you develop more muscle awareness, you gain the ability to generate more resistance against the floor. This is why a professional’s tendu looks so much more grounded than a beginner's. Join us as we break down the mechanics of the foot and leg to ensure your foundation is rock solid.

Whether you are practicing at home or at the barre, remember that the effort you put into the floor is exactly what you will get back in stability and grace.