The most problematic leg direction for students is usually the
à la seconde (“side”) position. Many
dancers tend to place their leg too far back because the word “side” has such a
specific connotation. This is why I
prefer to say the leg is going to à la
seconde, and avoid the term “side” whenever possible. Unless the dancer has 180 degree turn-out,
the leg should never extend directly to the side of the body. As discussed in a previous post on turn-out
(Secret #3d) the leg instead follows the toes outward in the direction or
pathway of the turn-out (established by the dancer’s correct rotation in first
position).
A student expressed it well by saying that one should
imagine an alleyway that runs in the direction of the turn-out in à la seconde,
with brick walls rising upward on either side.
This provides a path for the leg whether it is high or low - in a tendu
or a grand battement.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Secret # 4c :
“A tendu in à la seconde follows the path (alleyway) established by the
degree of turn-out.”
Link of the Day: An exquisite example of choreography using
props!
Quote
of the Day:
“Be an opener of door for such as come after thee, and do
not try to make the universe a blind alley.”
-
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Help expand the knowledge base!
Leave a comment about any instructions, ideas,
or images that worked best for you!
No comments:
Post a Comment