This exercise is designed to enhance a dancer's alignment in devant, focusing on stabilising the hip and pelvis. It aims to cultivate an awareness of body posture, from the crown of the head through the neck, shoulders, and down to the abdominals and gluteus muscles. This exercise is foundational for ensuring dancers can transfer these alignment principles into their ballet class, promoting efficient muscle activation and preventing injury.

Preparation:

Start with the student positioning their legs crossed over the centre of the fit ball. Adjust the ball closer to the groin for those with hyperextended knees to ensure proper alignment.

Steps:

1. Begin with a bridge to check and secure students' pelvic placement.

2. Instruct students to execute a développé devant, returning the leg to fifth position. Emphasise the importance of reaching the toes away from the hip to engage the full leg, maintaining square hips while engaging core and gluteus muscles throughout the movement.

3. Instruct students to lift their leg and execute and enveloppé and return into 5th position.

4. They move their leg into devant and sustain the leg.

5. Return the working leg in 5th position and reset to repeat on the alternate side.

Focus:

Highlight the need for keeping the hips square and abdominals engaged to support the back. Ensure the gluteus muscles are activated to lift the leg, reinforcing the stability of the supporting leg.