2 3 Saturday Straight Knees Statute | Ballet Webb

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Saturday Straight Knees Statute


Saturday Straight Knees Statute

Those pesky bent knees! In fifth position, the knees must be straight, not bent. If they bend – even a tiny bit - technically they are now in plie. Bent knees in fifth usually happen when the working foot is closing in fifth from tendu or some other step.

Bent knees in fifth happen because the weight of the body tends to sink as soon as one foot leaves fifth position, making it impossible for the foot to return without a bend happening in the working knee. To prevent this, dancers must remember to lift the body a bit extra when closing their foot in fifth.

The other, more troubling reason, occurs when a dancer attempts to “add more turn-out” by forcing the feet into a tight fifth upon closing in fifth – doing so by bending the working knee. This doesn’t add turn-out, it only adds stress to the knee joint and lower leg. Turn-out is developed from the hip joint, not from the feet.

Always remember Ballet Statute #66: If you can stand in fifth position with straight knees, you can close in fifth with straight knees.”

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Ballet Statute #66:  
“If you can stand in fifth position with straight knees, you can close in fifth with straight knees.”

                Link of the Day:

Quote of the Day:
“An attitude of positive expectation is the mark of the superior personality.”
― Brian Tracy

                Help expand the knowledge base!
 Leave a comment about any instructions, ideas, or images that worked best for you!

Want to know more about me? Read my interview at Ballet Connections:

            Or "Like" me on my Facebook Author Page:


No comments:

Post a Comment