What You'll Learn
- The anatomical definition of "pulling up" in the hips and pelvis
- How to correctly hinge at the hip for movements like the fondu
- Techniques for retraining pelvic placement on the femur bones
- The difference between functional movement and proper ballet alignment
- How to engage the core to support hip lifting and stability
About This Video
In the world of ballet, the instruction to "pull up" is a phrase that instructors use constantly, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood concepts for adult dancers. In this quick tip from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the mechanics of the hip joint to explain what "pulling up" actually means for your pelvis and femur bones. Understanding this placement is essential for achieving proper alignment and preventing long-term injury.
Rather than a vague lifting sensation, pulling up for your hips involves a precise change in how your pelvis rests on top of your femur bones. Many dancers naturally tend to either tuck or thrust their hips, which can lead to strain in the lower back or limited mobility in the legs. By learning how to hinge correctly at the hip, you can find a neutral and supported position that allows for greater freedom of movement in exercises like the fondu or when performing a ballet-style squat at the barre.
In this video, we explore the difference between everyday movements—like picking something up from the floor—and the specialized posture required for dance. While functional movement often requires a deep hinge, ballet technique asks us to maintain a vertical core while managing the relationship between the pelvis and the thigh bone. We focus on pushing from the center of the body, engaging the core to create a sense of lift that does not sacrifice stability.
Retraining your body to find this alignment takes time and conscious effort. By focusing on the "up" through the center of the body, you can ensure that your hips are properly stacked, allowing for a more efficient transfer of weight and better execution of complex footwork. Whether you are working on your plié or preparing for more advanced work, mastering your hip placement is a game-changer for your technique.
Join us at Broche Ballet as we break down these essential movements to help you dance with more ease and confidence.
