Understanding Ballet Foot Shape: Tendu, Cou-de-Pied, and Alignment

Achieving the perfect line is a hallmark of classical ballet technique, and it all starts with understanding your foot shape. In this 10-minute tutorial and practice session, Broche Ballet explores the critical differences between a sickled, winged, and straight foot. Whether you are working at the barre or in the center, the way you shape your foot impacts your stability, your aesthetic, and your long-term joint health.

One of the most common challenges for dancers is "sickling," where the foot turns inward at the ankle, breaking the continuous line of the leg. This video teaches you how to maintain a straight line from the heel to the toes, specifically focusing on positions like tendu and cou-de-pied. You will learn how to keep your heels forward and your toes back to avoid the dreaded sickle, especially during transitions and weight shifts.

The lesson also dives into "winging"—an outward extension of the foot—and explains when a neutral "straight" alignment is preferred for stability. Proper ankle alignment is essential during movements such as relevé and sous-sus. By keeping the heels forward over the toes, you create a secure foundation that prevents injury.

The instructor provides specific corrections, such as lifting the kneecaps into the hips and engaging the core to support the lower body movements. Through a series of choreographed steps including coupé, plié, and tendu, you will practice maintaining these shapes in real-time. By the end of this session, you will have a better kinesthetic awareness of your feet, allowing you to execute sous-sus and relevé with confidence and grace.

Refine your technique with Broche Ballet and transform your lines from the ground up.