Classical Ballet Basics
First Steps in Ballet:
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The Demi-Plie ~ is a half bend at the knees and should be done to two counts. It is the basis of everything you do in ballet. It is important to hold your back straight and your shoulders straight and front. It is a good idea to face the barre when doing plies as this will aide in posturing. It should be practised in each of the five positions.
The Demi-Plie
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The Grand Plie ~ is a full bend at the knees done to four counts going down, and four counts coming up. The heels lift at the full bend (except in the second position where they remain on the floor) and then pushed down to the floor as you pass through a demi-plie coming to the standing position. Again, the Grand Plie should be practised in all five basic positions, with correct posturing.
The Grand Plie
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Battements Tendus ~ this exercise strengthens the feet and the legs, and develops the arched instep of your feet. It is practised with your weight centered over the ball of your supporting foot. The leg and foot slide out from position in front (a la quatrieme) to the side (a la seconde) and to the back (a la quatrieme derriere). The manuevre should be as though the foot is sliding in a direct line and as though through "peanut butter." and
Battements Tendus
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Battements Degages ~ this exercise is important for developing speed in the feet for jumps. It is executed the same as battement tendu, but as you point your foot, you raise it approximately three inches off the floor, and pointing strongly. It is done to four counts, ending in the position it started from as the fourth.
Ronds De Jambe A Terre ~ (meaning on the floor) starting en dehors, the toes (pointing strongly) slide on the floor to the front, then slide around to the side to point in second. Continue the point, and slide foot to the back, and then to finish in first position. The pattern is a "D" shape made with the foot, while turnout is held throughout. This exercise should also be practised in reverse (en dedans).
Battement Frappes ~ The heel is crossed in front of the anklebone, while the foot is flexed, not pointed. The foot then is brushed downward and outward so that the ball of the foot strikes the floor. The foot is pointed hard and the knee is snapped straight. Allow for the foot to raise slightly off the floor. The knee then is bent again and the foot brought to rest behind the anklebone, and flexed. (movement in this exercise should be only in the knee and the ankle, and the hip should not move).
Glissades ~ Gliding steps that are usually used to link other steps, can be done in any direction, and can be done with or without change of feet.
Saute
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Arabesques
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Continue reading here: Ballet Stretching - Flexibility Training
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