What You'll Learn
- How to maintain a precise 90-degree knee angle for a clean ballet line.
- Techniques for creating the corkscrew effect through the lower leg.
- Tips for managing the hip flexor to prevent the hip from lifting or hiking.
- How to rotate the underside of the calf toward the ceiling for better turnout.
About This Video
The attitude devant, or attitude to the front, is a quintessential ballet position that requires a delicate balance of strength, flexibility, and precise rotation. In this quick technical guide from Broche Ballet, we dive into the nuances that transform a basic shape into a professional-level line. Many dancers struggle with a dropping calf or a hiking hip, but by focusing on a few key mechanical principles, you can achieve a stable and aesthetically pleasing attitude.
One of the most important elements of the attitude devant is the corkscrew or tire-bouchon effect. This involves a twisted movement where the top of the calf lifts while the toes remain pointed, creating a sense of spiral rotation that starts deep within the hip socket. You want the underside of the calf to feel as though it is trying to look up at the ceiling rather than the floor.
To achieve this, maintain your knee at a consistent 90-degree angle throughout the movement. Another common challenge is the tendency for the working hip to lift as the leg reaches its maximum height. To counter this, our instructors suggest thinking about sitting more down with the hip flexor.
This specific engagement prevents the pelvis from tilting and ensures that the top of the leg remains pointed toward the side, maintaining the integrity of your turnout. By focusing on lifting the underside of the leg up and forward without letting it fall toward the back, you create a projection that is both powerful and elegant. At Broche Ballet, we focus on these minute details to help adult dancers refine their technique.
Whether you are practicing at the barre or transitioning into center work, applying these tips for the twisted movement of the attitude front will significantly enhance your overall performance and alignment.
