This exercise is focused on strengthening the abdominal muscles, which are essential for safe movement and understanding the importance of not tucking under the pelvis in ballet. It helps students build core strength, so they can stabilise their torso and maintain proper posture in all ballet movements.

Preparation: Inflate a fusion ball halfway (or no more than three-quarters full) and place it under the students' sacrum.

Steps:

1. Guide the students to raise one leg at a time into the tabletop position with their feet flexed. At the same time, they should lightly press their abdominals towards the fusion ball.

2. Instruct them to 'climb' four imaginary stairs to reach the top and then four stairs back down. Remind them to keep their abdominal muscles fully engaged throughout the movement.

3. Students' hands should rest on their iliac crests (hip bones) when initially learning this exercise.

4. Repeat the sequence three times.

5. Conclude with the right leg performing a toe tap followed by the left leg.

6. When ready, repeat the exercise from the beginning.

Focus: Ensure students maintain abdominal engagement and avoid tucking their pelvis.