2 3 Wild Wednesday Scratch | Ballet Webb

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Wild Wednesday Scratch




Wild Wednesday Scratch      
A common problem in ballet technique is achieving a fully straightened leg.  This is particularly true in an arabesque position where there is a tendency for the leg to almost – but not quite – straighten. 

When the leg in question is a supporting leg, a slightly bent leg becomes an even bigger problem.  A straight knee is a safe knee, but when it is slightly relaxed it is possible to twist it slightly – not good!  This is one of the most common ways that dancers injure their knees. 
To help students feel the sensation of a correctly straightened leg, have them “scratch behind” their knee.  This allows them to tune in to the feeling they need to achieve whenever they straighten their legs. 

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Secret #7t 
“To feel the muscles used when the knee is straight, scratch behind the knees.” 

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