Where Does the Leg Go in À La Seconde? Mastering Placement

In the world of ballet, the side position, or à la seconde, is often one of the most misunderstood placements. Many dancers strive to get their leg perfectly flat to the side, but forcing this position can often lead to a tucked pelvis or a complete loss of turnout. In this Broche Ballet quick tip, we dive deep into the mechanics of finding your true à la seconde position by understanding your unique anatomy and the way the femur bone interacts with the hip socket.

The first secret to finding your proper placement is looking at your own feet. When you stand in first position, your toes point out at an angle determined by your natural turnout. To find your ideal à la seconde, you simply draw a straight line out from where your toes are pointing.

For the vast majority of dancers, this means the leg is actually placed slightly in front of the hip, rather than being forced directly to the side of the torso. This specific placement allows the pelvis to remain neutral and the hips to stay level, which is crucial for stability in more advanced movements like grand battement or adagio. Turnout is the other essential factor in this equation.

It is important to remember that turnout isn't just about the physical range of motion; it is about the active, muscular rotation of the femur bone within the hip socket. When you extend into a tendu side, focus on rotating the leg itself to achieve maximum turnout. By marking a specific spot on the floor and consistently returning to it, you build the muscle memory required for professional-level precision.

Whether you are working at the barre or in the center, understanding where your leg belongs in à la seconde will transform your stability and aesthetic. Join us at Broche Ballet as we refine these essential technical details to help you dance with more ease and better alignment.