Ballet Class Le Corsaire (conrad) | Ballet Class app
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Equipment Used
Fusion Ball
This exercise is designed to activate the adductor and intrinsic foot muscle groups while simultaneously engaging the core. This combination is crucial for improving allegro movements in the classroom by enhancing muscle coordination, strength, and flexibility, necessary for dynamic jumps and elevations.
Preparation: Position students on the mat with a fusion ball between their calf muscles in a demi plié. For students with hyperextended knees, adjust the ball toward the upper calf to prevent the locking back of the knees during extensions.
Steps:
1. Start with the students raising their legs and upper body, ensuring the neck is supported.
2. Instruct students to extend their legs in a rotated vertical line while exhaling, then cue students to return the legs to a demi plié, ensuring knees are aligned with the feet.
3. Have students follow the steady tempo of the music for a set of extensions, then execute four quicker extensions returning into demi pliés. This activates rotation and abdominal muscles.
4. Guide students to repeat the combination with the legs at a 45-degree angle, adjusting according to each student's abdominal strength.
Focus: Emphasise correct alignment of knees with feet during demi pliés and the importance of maintaining core engagement throughout the exercise.
Frequently asked questions
How can I ensure students with hyperextended knees are performing the exercise safely?
What if a student struggles with maintaining core engagement during the exercise?