What You'll Learn
- The 'heel forward' technique for maintaining consistent turnout in rond de jambe.
- How to navigate demi-pointe and first position without losing rotation.
- Creating a beautiful, scooped circular motion for rond de jambe en l'air.
- Visualizing the relationship between the calf, heel, and toes for better alignment.
About This Video
Mastering the rond de jambe is a journey of precision and persistence. In this Broche Ballet 'Quick Tidbit' lesson, we dive into two essential techniques designed to elevate both your floor and air work. Whether you are performing rond de jambe à terre or rond de jambe en l'air, the secret to a professional-looking line lies in the relationship between your heel and your toes.
The first key focus is maintaining your turnout as you pass through demi-pointe. Many dancers lose their rotation as the foot moves through the transition. By focusing on keeping the heel down and forward as you reach the demi-pointe position, you ensure that the leg stays rotated from the hip.
This prevents the common error of the leg 'rolling in' when the toes take over the movement. When you come through first position, remember that the heel must lead. This active engagement of the inner thighs and rotators creates a seamless, grounded transition that is the hallmark of strong ballet technique.
As we move into rond de jambe en l'air, the importance of the heel becomes even more apparent. To achieve a beautiful, open circular motion, you must visualize the calf and heel remaining in front of the toes. This 'scooping' action allows the foot to carve through the air with grace and breadth.
If the toes lead, the turnout is often compromised, leading to a flat or closed movement that loses its impact. By keeping the toes further back than the heel, you create a wider, more expressive circle that highlights the length of the leg. Refining these details might seem small, but they significantly impact your overall stability and aesthetic at the barre and in center work.
Incorporating these tips into your daily practice will help you build the muscle memory needed for more complex combinations.
