What You'll Learn
- Identify the exact location of the peroneus muscle on the outside of the shin to control foot shape.
- How to maintain proper ankle alignment and avoid inversion during a demi-plié.
- The 'pinky toe to knee' connection for a perfect tendu wing.
- Techniques to eliminate the 'sickle' shape and create a professional ballet line.
About This Video
Achieving a beautiful, elongated line is one of the most sought-after goals in ballet, yet many dancers struggle with 'sickling'—an inward collapse of the ankle that breaks the aesthetic flow and can lead to instability. In this Broche Ballet Quick Tidbit, we dive into the specific anatomy required to correct this habit and create a professional 'winged' look. The secret lies in the muscles located along the outside of the shin, specifically the peroneus muscles. These muscles act as the primary evertors of the foot, pulling the pinky toe side of the foot upward and outward. By learning to consciously engage these muscles, you can prevent the ankle from rolling inward.
The lesson begins at the barre with the foundational demi-plié. While we often focus on the turn-out of the hips or the depth of the heels during a demi-plié, this video encourages you to find a connection between the outside of your ankle and the floor. This mental and physical check-in ensures that your weight is distributed correctly across the foot. As you transition from a closed position into a tendu, the engagement must remain active. A common correction for a beautiful wing is to think about bringing your pinky toe toward the outside of your knee. This specific cue helps maintain the lateral engagement of the shin, ensuring that the foot maintains a clean, arching line rather than a broken, sickled one.
Understanding the placement of these muscles allows for greater control during more complex movements, such as relevé or when preparing for pointe work. At Broche Ballet, we prioritize these technical 'tidbits' because small adjustments in muscle engagement often lead to the biggest breakthroughs in a dancer's form. By consistently practicing this 'winging' action in your basic tendu and demi-plié, you will develop the muscle memory needed to keep your feet safely and beautifully aligned throughout your entire ballet class.
