This exercise is important for teaching correct weight placement, a fundamental aspect of safe dance practice. It reinforces the alignment of the centre line from the crown of the head through the body, extending down through the knee joint, tibia, and front of the ankle. Mastery of this concept is essential for classroom work, balance, stability, and technique in ballet movements.

Preparation:

Have students begin facing the barre, with one foot resting on the fit ball, heel centred and foot conforming to the contour of the ball. Both legs should start in a rotated position, with emphasis on correct weight placement over the front of the supporting foot.

Steps:

1. Guide students through a slow fondu (plié), ensuring the working leg's toes remain extended and adjust into and attitude alignment. Both legs should then extend simultaneously, maintaining correct weight placement. Repeat this twice more.

2. Follow with a port de bras towards the supporting leg, over the head into a sideways bend, returning to second position.

3. They repeat with a rise and lower 3 times, while ensuring the correct weight placement.

4. Follow with a port de bras towards the supporting leg, over the head into a sideways bend, returning to second position.

5. They repeat from the beginning.

Focus: Stress the importance of keeping the centre line straight and ensuring the weight is correctly distributed over the supporting leg to foster balance and stability.