2 3 Wonderful Wednesday Grand Rond de Jambe | Ballet Webb

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Wonderful Wednesday Grand Rond de Jambe


Wonderful Wednesday Grand Rond de Jambe

A grand rond de jambe is such a beautiful step. It shows off a dancer’s extension and flow of movement. It produces “Ahhhh” moments in the audience.  Wonderful! Of course this happens only if step is performed correctly.

The problem usually occurs as the working leg transitions to or from à la seconde. This is a tricky place, especially coming from the back to the front (en dedans). But the secret is the same for each direction, so let’s talk about doing a grand rond de jambe en dehors (front to back).

As the leg moves from à la seconde to arabesque, it wants to drop down in order to make the transition, and this causes the leg to turn in. This is a normal reaction due to the structure of the hip socket, but here is how to fix it: Imagine the working leg going from a la seconde to a back ecarté position before going to arabesque. This keeps the leg turned out. It is also helpful to feel as though the leg is being pulled outward from the hip socket all the way beyond the tip of the toes. This will produce an almost invisible transition to arabesque.

While all this is going on, remember to keep the energy up and energy down sensation throughout the body.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Secret #11h:  
“In a grand rond de jambe, imagine hitting a back ecarté as the leg moves to or from à la seconde.

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