This exercise is designed to reinforce early movement patterns essential for ballet. The primary focus is on cultivating stable pelvic alignment during à la seconde sequences. As they work on their posture, encourage them to focus on developing a strong muscle memory, which will help them in all their movements as they continue training.

Preparation: Have students lie sideways on the mat, the fusion ball placed in between their calf muscles with the legs externally. The working foot is flexed. The students who can maintain 5 toes on the mat may wish to take the option of the supporting foot on demi pointe. The alternative is with the supporting foot pointed. If the students have less natural rotation the fusion ball can slide in the front of their supporting leg.

Steps:

1. Instruct students to articulate slowly through their working foot.

2. They should transition from a flexed to a pointed position, emphasising control and fluidity.

3. The 4 retiré movements and rolling back down the supporting leg.

4. They reset on the alternate side.

Focus: Emphasise the importance of keeping the hips squarely aligned to the front. Suggest placing a hand on the hip to maintain this alignment.