This exercise strengthens and activates the abdominal and oblique muscles, essential for a strong and graceful port de bras. This exercise also enhances thoracic spine mobility, crucial for dancers to maintain correct posture and alignment. By incorporating a side bend with adage movements, students can develop muscle memory that translates directly into their ballet technique, improving the quality of their port de bras and overall expressiveness in adage sequences.

Preparation:

For beginners or those needing additional stability, start with one foot in front of the other against the wall. This provides extra support as they focus on the upper body's movement and alignment. A rolled-up mat can support the wrists if required.

Steps:

1. Begin with port de bras, integrating a side bend to engage the abdominals and obliques fully. Emphasise the importance of pulling down through the thoracic spine to foster a deep connection with the core muscles. Complete three sets.

2. Instruct students to rotate both legs, resting the working foot in sur le cou-de-pied. As they draw the working leg into a développé écarté, remind them to breathe deeply and maintain thoracic engagement.

3. Follow this with ronds de jambe en l’air en dehors, keeping the core and rotators activated, then slowly enveloppé back to sur le cou-de-pied.

4. Have students switch sides and repeat.

Focus:

Maintain a focus on core engagement, thoracic spine alignment, and the fluidity of movement throughout the exercise. The integration of breath with movement is key to achieving the desired fluidity and ease.