A New Ballet Term?

A New Ballet Term?

One essential element of good posture is a dancer’s ability to keep the pelvis level:   not tucked under, nor tipped backward.  Many years ago a student of mine coined the term “teotard line” meaning the area in the front of the torso where the leotard and tights meet, (where the torso meets the upper thigh), when the dancer is standing in a turned-out position.  This area can be envisioned as having a zipper – one running up each thigh/torso or “teotard” area – that is pulled up and held straight.  It’s like zipping up a pair of jeans.

I have found this image to be very helpful for students when they are attempting to maintain a level pelvis in tendu or dégagé derrière where it is particularly difficult to prevent tilting the pelvis (sticking the seat out or up).  In a future post I will discuss when and how the pelvis is allowed to tilt, in order to achieve a beautiful attitude derrière and arabesque.

 

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Secret #1j:  

“The “teotard” line is where the leotard and tights meet at the front of the upper thigh.”

 

                Link of the Day:

                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYt3pQ5Lei4

 

Quote of the Day:

“Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.”

-          Lucius Annaeus Seneca

         

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