This exercise is designed to emphasise the significance of the supporting leg, reinforcing its role as the foundation for all pointe work. This exercise aims to develop students understanding and appreciation of how the strength and stability of the supporting leg enhance the execution and aesthetics of movements performed by the working leg. It is a crucial component in ballet, ensuring dancers can maintain balance and control while executing complex combinations.

Preparation: Position students sideways to the ballet barre, ensuring they have enough space for arm and leg movements.

Steps:

1. Start students with breathing exercises to align the arm and head, encouraging a sense of poise and preparation.

2. Instruct students to draw their feet sur la pointe, focusing on the stability provided by the supporting leg.

3. Guide students through a développé devant sur la pointe with port de bras to fourth position, emphasising the fluidity of movement and alignment.

4. Have students prroceed with développé à la seconde sur la pointe with port de bras to second position, ensuring the supporting leg remains strong and stable.

5. Cue a passé, passing through a retiré and closing in fifth devant, focusing on the transition and control.

6. Have students incorporate a port de bras de côté, returning into second position, to add grace and fluidity to the sequence.

7. Guide students to repeat the sequence, ensuring precision and balance are maintained throughout.

8. Encourage students to perform the sequence on the alternate side for balanced development.

Focus: Stress the importance of maintaining correct alignment and stability in the supporting leg throughout each movement to prevent injury and ensure effective execution.