This exercise builds on the original "Posture Check" exercise, introducing more complex movements for students who have mastered basic posture control. This exercise helps strengthen the erector spinae - a deep muscle in the back - while ensuring the shoulder girdle remains tension-free. There are two starting positions, so you can do this exercise with students of different ages and skill levels.

Preparation: For younger students, have them sit on the centre of a fit ball in parallel. Older or more advanced students can move forward on the fit ball, placing their feet in parallel demi-pointe.

Steps:

1. Begin with a preparation port de bras. Have the students imagine puppet strings being tightened.

2. Students should transfer their weight slightly as they lift the working knee, ensuring the pelvis does not tuck underneath.

3. Extend the right leg in devant, bend the knee, and roll back through the metatarsals. Repeat four times on alternate legs.

4. Students can try lifting their leg into attitude devant extend the working leg.

5. Dégagé devant and close, repeating four times on alternate legs.

6. Once they're stable, they can introduce a port de bras movement.

7. For advanced students, follow the same combination with more core activation and include a variety of well-coordinated port de bras.

Focus: Emphasise maintaining a stable pelvis, strong erector spinae and tension-free shoulders.